Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
Keeping Overgate very safe and secure
MEET Kris Gilruth, lead security officer at the Overgate Centre in Dundee.
The key areas of his role are staff appraisals, toolbox talks (daily briefings), control room duties, monitoring CCTV operations and first aid.
He also has to deal with thefts, various incidents within the centre and a number of administrative duties. We asked about his role at the centre,
What are the day-to-day undertakings of the role?
Kris, 28, said: “On a day-to-day basis, I’m responsible for up to five team members.
“I am responsible for carrying out instructions given to me by the centre management.
“I deal with first aid incidents and any other events that may unexpectedly occur in the centre. For example, I had to oversee a first aid incident when a customer fell backward on one of our escalators.
“The gentleman was elderly and lost his footing.
“He had severe gashes to his head and there was a lot of blood as you can imagine.
“I attended the scene, applied dressings and made him as comfortable as possible until the emergency services arrived.” How did Kris get into the job? He said: “I was working as a bar supervisor and wanted to get into a role I could progress in.
“I saw a job advertisement for a security officer role at the centre and felt this would be a good place to gain employment and possibly advance up the career ladder. Favourite parts of the job? “My favourite is coming into work not knowing what I am going to face,” he said.
“Every day is different at the centre. There is never a dull moment and I always have to be vigilant to deal with any and all situations that may arise.” Any special challenges? He said: “Dealing with staff has many challenges whether it be work related or personal. Having to speak with staff about certain situations — maintaining high standards of work and so on — can be challenging depending on the incidents or types of personalities and characters.
“These conversations have to take place, though, to ensure high standards remain in place. The role of security in Overgate is a visible one. We are in the public eye at all times — that’s why good conduct and a courteous manner is essential.”