Romeo Malgas: Security Expert

As the security industry continues to evolve in response to emerging threats and technologies, staying informed and adapting to new best practices is essential. In this article, we're pleased to feature Romeo Malgas, a seasoned security professional with extensive experience in the utilities industry. With a background in operations management, physical security, and risk assessment, Romeo has honed their expertise in access control, casino management, and more.

As a strong military and protective service professional with a law degree from the University of South Africa, Romeo brings a unique blend of theoretical knowledge and practical expertise. In this article, they share valuable insights on security industry, offering actionable advice and practical solutions that can be applied to real-world security challenges.

Below you find the Q&A

What originally attracted you to a profession in the security industry, and how has your military background influenced your approach towards security management?

To be very honest, I was more compelled by circumstances to enter the industry than I was initially drawn to it. After working for Norwegian Cruise Liner (NCL) for a single contract term in America, I came home job hunting and was approached by a friend about a position in the security industry. Sadly, I never served in the military.

As a Security Manager with substantial experience in the utilities industry, could you discuss some of the primary challenges you've encountered and the solutions you've implemented?

Socioeconomic variables contribute to South Africa's extremely high crime rate, which is largely caused by the country's estimated 33% unemployment rate. Unfortunately, the utilities sector in which I presently work uses a variety of commodities (e.g., coal, diesel fuel, copper, and steal) in its daily operations, either as fuel or construction material. For criminals, this makes the utilities sector particularly alluring. The infrastructure is spread out over large distances, which makes protection even more challenging. This further complicates problems. Since unscrupulous criminal elements are aware of these obstacles, they are constantly trying our security protocols. Some solutions implemented are in broad terms the moving away from solely relying of physical guarding, but to augment physical guarding with the latest technology including but not limited to drone patrols.

From your perspective, how has technological advancements influenced the security industry, and what new trends are you excited about? A critical component of your skill set is risk assessment. Could you walk us through your process for assessing and mitigating potential threats?

Apart from the ease with which monitoring of assets can nowadays be done and the many options there are for addressing/mitigating a risk, I am also quite excited that using these technological advancements in the security space, the industry have become attractive to young previously uninterested youth. With regards to my approach to conducting risks assessments, I am in great support of an approach where the assessment is conducted by a team, who will firstly identify the asset/s in need protection, identify the threats the asset/s is exposed to (arrange from high – low), look at possible solutions to the threats, conduct a ROI (Return On Investment) exercise to identify and recommend the most financial viable option/solution to the business.

You've worked across an array of industries, including casino management. How do security requirements differ between sectors, and what transferable skills have you found to be the most valuable?

From what I can recall, the surveillance team has always used the newest CCTV, access control systems, and electronic record keeping, among other tools, as security management has always been a top priority in the casino sector. Since we were interacting with cash and little, expensive goods (casino chips) in a casino setting, it is evident that this was the case. The other crucial precaution they took was to ensure that every procedure was outlined in handbooks. This included details such as who needed to be present for the "clearing of the floor"—removing cash canisters from gaming machines and bringing them to the count room—and the allotted hours for cleaning. It seems to me that this is the area in which other sectors are failing. They lack well-documented procedures for managing and directing security departments. My experience working in the casino sector taught me several important skills, one of which is how to approach problems methodically and with attention to detail. To cultivate the security culture, you want for your company, you must provide your security personnel clear instructions (Security Policy and Procedures).

As an ASIS International volunteer leader for the South Africa Chapter, how do you contribute and foster the growth and advancement of the security industry within your region?

I take advantage of every chance I get to tell my colleagues and other security professionals about the benefits of joining ASIS, such having access to industry best practices and networking opportunities.

What advice would you offer to aspiring security professionals that seek to establish a successful career in this field?

If one works hard and is determined, the security sector can be quite rewarding. To increase your working knowledge, always have an open mind and take advice from more experienced individuals. To guarantee that you have access to the most recent standards and advancements in the security business, it is crucial that you become a member of organizations such as ASIS.

Lastly, how do you find the balance between maintaining robust security measures and amicable environments for employees and customers?

Interactions and consultations to the extent necessary and only where possible to ensure that clients and staff feel included in the process of arriving at solutions.

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Warm regards,

Abraham Desantiago.

WhatsApp / Telegram: +58 412 605 5084

My book The Transformation of Security: A Guide for Emerging Leaders in the Digital Age, Kindle Edition, https://a.co/d/edcGI6E