Virginia police sign out on code words

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Title – Virginia police sign out on code words
Source – www.bbc.co.uk
Date – 7th December 2006

Communication is just one of the skills taught in Beyond The Blue’s Conflict Management & Resolution course (CMR). But communication comes in various forms. To be effective working within the security industry we have to understand both communication with our customers who ever they may be and in whatever state they are in and also effective communication between our own teams.

As this article proves even the police get it wrong and have to evolve. Codes are used both by the police and the security industry. The point of code words is to make communication of key information clear and concise, to allow individuals communicate vital information or ask for help without needing to give a big explanation. This information is often transmitted over two way radio or in environments where there is excessive noise or where individuals are under extreme pressure. These communication blocks often lead to communication break downs.

As the police in the New York found during the 9/11 terrorist attack, when many different forces came together to help and support each other, communication broke down as each individual team had slightly different code words. This balance is very important, enough code words to cover emergencies and common problems, but not so many that they become confusing.

In the security industry code words are commonly used and every bar and club seems to have a different set of codes they work from. Through Consultancy Projects, we help develop communication systems that allow all members of staff to understand each other whatever area they work in. This process can be reinforced by In-House Security Induction training (IHSI) and Venue Specific Manuals that we can develop to set systems for your venue. For clients with more then one venue these systems are especially useful as they can be rolled out across all venues, so that staff who may be interchangeable will be able to work in any venue, rather then having to learn a whole new set of rules and systems each time they move.

We have staff who have been developing systems for over 15 years, they are tried and tested and work effectively in many different environments. When we start a Consultancy Project we examine your current set up and reinforce the positive systems already in place and review and replace those that are letting your team down. We work within your environment with your staff and management so that the changes we advise on, already have the support of those people who will need to enforce them once they are in place. We don’t assume we know best and don’t dictate, because each venue has its unique features, but our systems help clients to achieve their goals.

Please visit our website at www.btbl.co.uk