Langar Gupp II

Hey Guys,

Here are two "careless whispers" doing the rounds lately :

1. Some of our colleagues have been issued marching orders recently. The postings show a trend where local, regional and zonal boundaries have been done away with. Bhopal to Kochi, Delhi to Guwahati, Ahmedabad to Bhopal and not to forget "one gun " Murugan from Bhopal to Patna. Security officers do not get bogged down with minor things like geographical boundaries when it comes to postings !!! The latest "mantra" is to DISLODGE. Dont let the buggers take root eh ?? (That the postings may have been a result of a "self inflicted injury" is entirely a different matter)

2. Some of our friends are not happy with the initiative taken by Chennai office in taking up the issue of our career progression with the Central Office. (Will somebody clear the air on this - I am at my wits' end trying to figure out why)

More on Career Progression

Hi Folks,

Some time back my friends from Chennai office had asked me to refine a draft document regarding the subject. I am attaching the same for those who are interested. The final document which was despatched to Central Office was well drafted and 'proper' insofar as linguistic niceties and officialese are concerned. So, here goes the one which was junked :

"The following has reference to an informal discussion Dr Y.V.Reddy, Governor, had with the officers of the Protocol & Security establishment of this office on 15 July 2005.

2. Inspite of being a support system, Security remains a crucial factor in determining the productivity, growth and development of an organization. As it is a recognised professional area, the use of modern tools and concepts becomes mandatory to achieve effectiveness and efficiency. This sentiment was expressed by the Governor himself during his address in the Security Manager’s Conference held at Bankers Training College on 28 – 29 January 2005. It is evident from the recent events unfolding in India and abroad that terrorism is here to stay and no organization can consider itself immune from this threat. The need of the hour is to be constantly aware of this threat and to put in place a foolproof system of checks and balances which will minimise the chances of any untoward incident from taking place. A host of electronic access control measures and surveillance systems have been installed by the Bank at its various offices and Security Officers are effectively managing the same.

3. In addition to Physical Security, these officers are also playing a vital role in areas such as Protocol, Liaison and Maintenance. It is an established fact that human resource development plays a very important role for the effective discharge of duties by an individual. Although some career progression aspects were addressed recently, an alarming trend being witnessed today is the departure of officers from the security cadre. Some officers have resigned, some have switched over to the general side and some are contemplating future course of action. All this is happening owing to the anomalies which affect a majority of the officers in Grades `A’ and `B’. In a cadre where the total strength is around 90 officers there is only one Grade `E’, five Grade `D’, five Grade `C’ officers and the remaining 80 are in Grade A/B.

4. The existing organisational structure of the cadre which has emerged recently does not project a healthy picture of career progression where the base is broad followed by an inexplicable shrunken middle in the form of only five posts in Grade `C’. The recent upgradation of five Grade`C’ posts to Grade `D’ has snatched all opportunities of reasonable promotional prospects for officers in Grade `B’ who were promoted as far back as 1997. The Protocol & Security establishment in most offices today is headed by a Manager/Assistant Manager who throws little weight with the bureaucracy or heads of institutions with whom he is required to interact. The fact that they are achieving excellent results is owing to their defence forces background and experience. There is an urgent need to empower these officers with suitable designations commensurate with their age and experience. The provision of a running scale in Grade `B’ to `C’ which has recently been declared is no substitute for the actual designation.

5. In view of the foregoing it is requested that Protocol & Security establishment at all offices other than the four metros may be headed by an Assistant General Manager. This will remove the bottleneck which has recently been created and go a long way towards assuaging the feelings of a majority of the Security Officers. "

Brazen Brazilian Bank Robbery - II

This is in continuation of my post regarding the Brazen Bank Robbery dated 16 August 2005.
The photograph on the left is of the house which the thieves had rented and from where they dug the tunnel leading to the Bank. Neighbours said between six and ten men worked at the house, rented in the name of a company making artificial turf. The theft happened over the weekend, but was not discovered until Monday morning because the Bank was closed. Neighbours reported seeing vanloads of material being removed each day. It took the thieves three months to dig the tunnel which goes underneath two city blocks. The Banco Central said the robbers opened five containers with 50 real bills ($22). The value of the stolen bank notes has not yet been determined. However, police sources said the heist may have yeilded as much as 150 million reals, which would make it the biggest bank robbery in Brazil's history. The second photo is of the tunnel taken from inside the Bank

Look Skywards Guys

Planet Mars will be brightest in the night sky starting August. It will look as large as the full moon to the naked eye. This will culminate on August 27 when Mars comes to within 35 million miles of earth. Be sure to watch the sky on August 27 at 12:30 AM. It will look like the Earth has two moons. The next time Mars will be this close will be in in the year 2287. Share this with your loved ones and friends as NO ONE ALIVE TODAY will ever see it again.

CHEERS FOR BEERS

Hi Folks,
Recently I got a mail forward which I thought I must share with my friends. So here is a good reason to drink lots of BEER :

BUFFALO THEORY
A herd of Buffalo can only move as fast as the slowest Buffalo. And when the herd is hunted, it is the slowest and weakest at the back that are killed first. This natural selection is good for the herd as a whole, because the general speed and health of the whole group keeps improving by the regular killing of the weaker members.
In much the same way, the human brain can only operate as fast as the slowest brain cells. Now, as we know, excessive intake of alcohol kills brain cells. But naturally it attacks the slowest and weakest brain cells first. In this way, regular consumption of Beer eliminates the weaker brain cells, making the brain a faster and more efficient machine.
And that is the reason why you always feel smarter after a few Beers .... CHEERS

P.S. In case you invite me over remember I like my Beers mixed with Orange Squash

CBI Cracks Mysore Press Case

Hi Friends,

The HOT news on Sunday was the breakthrough achieved by CBI in cracking the one year old BRBNMPL theft case. Fifty lakh bucks were spirited away (10,000 pieces of freshly printed notes of Rs 500 denomination) and apparently there were no clues when the crime was committed. As many as eight CISF men connived with some employees of BRBNMPL working in the packing, strapping and the main vault and managed the grand theft. The main culprit, constable Sabulal thus had the help of around a dozen people. As per press reports fourteen employees of BRBNMPL were subjected to polygraph and brain mapping tests at the Forensic Science Laboratory, Bangalore. The tests revealed that three employees had information about the theft. It took the CBI four months to take permission from the court to subject the trio to narco-analysis (truth serum) tests. With the help of forensic psychlogists from FSL the three culprits ultimately spilled the beans which led to the arrests of the CISF personnel and solving of the case. As reported in one particular daily CBI sleuths disguised themselves as preachers and went to Sabulal's house to gather evidence and found some notes of the missing series from the house. They could recover around 30 lakhs and a minibus from Sabulal. Some interesting revelations from this case are as follows :

1. The use of old world methods such as disguising oneself are still useful in investigations.

2. High tech methods used to learn the truth from suspects ( a la Robert Ludlum and John Le Carre and not to forget James Bond movies)

3. Protectors turned marauders ( the lesser said about CISF the better)

4. When the crime took place CCTV reportedly was only being used for surveillance and no recordings were done. ( Dead zones still persist)

5. The alarm system was jammed by the culprit who then entered the vault through an opening meant for Security Checks.

6. The CBI is capable of doing a damn good job in any case entrusted to it provided there is no interference from other quarters.

I think that is enough for now. This is one case which can be discussed for hours on end and valuable lessons pertaining to physical security learnt from it.

Career Progression for Security Officers

Hi Friends,

The case regarding the subject is believed to have been seen by our top management. I have a copy of the letter written by the Regional Director, RBI, Chennai. Those of you who want to have a peek at it can send me a mail for a copy. Let us keep a watch on the further developments and keep our fingers crossed.

Brazen Bank Robbery

"Behind a Brazen Brazilian Burglary"Washington Post (08/10/05) P. D1 ; Lehman, Stan
A group of highly sophisticated thieves was responsible for the $67.8 million bank robbery in Fortaleza, Brazil, this past weekend, according to Brazilian law enforcement authorities. The robbers spent three months constructing a 262-foot long tunnel that stretched from a rented house in the city to a nearby skyscraper housing a Central Bank vault, and the 28-inch high tunnel went under one of the city's busiest and noisiest roads, so no sounds of digging were heard. The tunnel was dug 13 feet beneath the vault's floor, and police say that the thieves apparently cut through the vault's steel-reinforced concrete floor, which was 3.5 feet thick, with a drill, electric saw, blowtorch, and bolt cutter. Once inside the vault, they broke into five containers that contained used Brazilian currency notes worth $22 apiece. Authorities have identified at least eight suspects, though no arrests have been made, and the bank is conducting its own investigation. "We are looking into several aspects of the crime, including why the cameras and motion detectors inside the vault did not function and if the thieves had any inside help," said a spokeswoman for the Central Bank. The thieves placed signs at the rental house indicating that the house was a landscaping company with plants for sale, but neighbors said they never saw the house doing any business. Authorities believe the group of thieves may be the same robbers who stole more than $1 million from a money-transport company last year in a similar scheme in which a 400-foot tunnel was dug from a nearby house to the company's bathroom.

Independence Day

Hi Folks,
I got a mail from a close friend of mine who has sent me the 'Flag Song' on the occasion of our Independence Day. I am attaching the same wishing you all the best . Let us all read the flag song carefully and contemplate on the meaning behind these simple lines. Most of us do not even pronounce the words properly, let alone know what they mean.

( P.S. - Click on the image to view a larger format)

Delinking of Certain Jobs from P&S Cell

A couple of days back I received a mail from my good friend Maj A.K.Moudgil from Mumbai ( 27 other officers from our cadre also must have got it) who has written about delinking of jobs like hotel/VOF booking, managing the car pool, hiring of cars etc from the P&S establishment. He has written about the plight of Protocol Officers who have to face the VIP and be answerable for any lapses connected with the duty as regards accomodation and transport arrangements. Whatever he has mentioned in the mail is valid and relevant. Those of you who have not received the said mail can have a copy from me. I have personally faced some awkward moments in the past (mostly at Delhi) in this connection. However, I would like to mention the flipside here. In my opinion it is OK for the P&S Cell to have control over these areas at major centres as there is enough strength and infrastructure available to ensure that things run smoothly. At smaller centres the P&SO is the Protocol Officer, Security Officer, Liaison Officer, Dealing Clerk, Telephone Operator, Handyman all rolled into one besides heading the Cell. Moreover the visits of VIPs are not very frequent. Having liberalised the use of Esteem AC cars for officers down to DGM level, the P&S Cell at smaller centres will be burdened with requests for hotel and transport from all and sundry most of the time if we take on this job. At my centre these jobs are being handled by DAPM and I am not cribbing. I have no hesitation to mention this fact to anyone who cares to ask me or has the temerity to ask for related favours. So that's it guys!! I am not keen on reversing the process over here. Another colleague I know has given me some food for thought : " If there is no uniformity in putting across our demands it is better to maintain status quo ". I could not agree more.

Hunting Greener Pastures - 2

Here are some websites for those of my friends who are still chasing the rainbow and hoping to find that elusive pot of gold. Check them out guys :
1. www.jobsecurity.co.uk
2. www.gulfjobsites.com
3. www2.csoonline.com
4. www.careerage.com
Happy hunting !!!

Promotion Delayed is as good as Promotion Denied

It sure gladdens the heart to to come to terms with the fantastic "panel year concept" which is being followed for promotions from one grade to another. In our cadre the interview for a Grade 'C' post (ONE) which fell vacant owing to the retirement of Mr Vijay Bhatt in June 2003 was held in April 2004 and the promotion effected in May/June 2004. The time lag between retirement of one colleague and promoting another was nearly one year. This time again we are about to have interviews for ONE post in Grade 'C' which fell vacant owing to the premature 'easing out' of Mr I. Balaretna Singh in January 2004. This vacancy was reckoned for as on 31 December 2004 as per the panel year concept. The interview for this post is being held in Sep 2005. By the time the interview result will be put into effect it may be nearly end of this year. That means the time lag will be nearly TWO years now. At this rate 'God save future aspirants' !!!

Any idea if such a concept exists elsewhere ???

Interview for the post of AGM (P&S)

The interview for one vacant post in Grade 'C' in our cadre is slated for 03 September 2005 if the grapevine is to be beleived. So this is for all the "old and weary" participants - BEST OF LUCK GUYS. See you all at Mumbai on Saturday the 3rd Sep. Bye for now.

Evacuation Drill - Checklist for Observer

Some time back we conducted an evacuation drill in our office. The safety squad members were briefed about their duties in advance but were not told as to when the drill would be held. A checklist was made for the observer (a senior officer) who would make a note of all the activities taking place. His feedback would prove to be invaluable for further improvements in the conduct of such drills. The said drill went off very well. The list which is attached herewith is not made in any particular sequence and is not exhaustive. Suggestions for improvements are, as usual, very welcome.

POINTS TO CHECK DURING EVACUATION DRILL

1. Was the announcement for evacuation audible at all floors and understood by all members of the staff.
2. Type of evacuation ordered – either partial or full.
3. Were escape routes marked properly.
4. Were all the lifts grounded or not.
5. How long did it take for the evacuation to complete.
6. Was the evacuation carried out in an orderly manner – no panic or running.
7. Did the floor marshals and deputy floor marshals carry out their duties properly.
8. Were all the safety squad members aware of their duties and responsibilities.
9. Did the floor marshals and deputy floor marshals guide members of the staff from their respective floors.
10. How long did it take to establish the control room.
11. Did the rescue and search party search the toilets, book room, lift lobbies and disused spaces for anyone left behind.
12. Were handicapped personnel helped by the search and rescue party in the evacuation or not.
13. Were the floor marshals last to vacate their respective floors after ensuring total evacuation.
14.Evacuation through the staircases should be in an orderly manner and in two lines – was this aspect taken care of ?
15. All occupants should go down once the order to evacuate is given – did anyone go up ?
16. Was the assembly area known to the occupants.
17.Was the assembly area clearly marked.
18.Did the BMO and his team set up a medical aid point.
19.Did the Estate Dept officials perform their duties as given in the Disaster Management Plan.
20. Was a head count taken after everyone had gathered in the assembly area.
21. Was anyone seen going back inside the building after the evacuation was completed.
22. Were visitors (if any) briefed about what to do by the Security staff.
23. Was there any running, pushing, overtaking or shouting during evacuation.
24. Was anyone left behind in the building after the evacuation was completed.
25. Were the members of staff debriefed after the evacuation drill was successfully completed.
26. Were the neighbouring organizations, Police and Fire Brigade informed about the evacuation drill.

Checklist - Fire Safety Arrangements

An idea was mooted in the last Internal Security Committee Meeting that CSAA could be used as a good tool by RDs to know about their state of preparedeness as regards Fire Safety arrangements. Consequently yours truly was asked to prepare a checklist which was easy to understand even by a lay person. Following is the list which I have prepared. Suggestions for improvement are welcome.
LIST OF ITEMS TO BE CHECKED – FIRE SAFETY EQUIPMENT

FIRE EXTINGUISHERS
1. Are adequate number of Fire Extinguishers available at every floor.
2. Are the Fire Extinguishers available in sufficient quantity to fight every class of fire.
3. Are the Fire Extinguishers conforming to ISO rating or having ISI mark.
4. When were they last checked by the maintenance contractor.
5. Date of last servicing by the contractor.
6. Are the extinguishers located at easily accessible places.
7. Have the extinguishers been properly fixed.
8. Have the instructions for use been prominently displayed next to each extinguisher.
9. Are the instructions printed in different languages (English, Hindi and Kannada)
10. When were the extinguishers last checked for serviceability.
11. Has any training been imparted to the members of the staff in the use of fire extinguishers.

WET RISER SYSTEM
1. Date of last servicing by the contractor.
2. Is the hydrant system working properly.
3. When was the system last checked for serviceability.
4. Are all the hose reels, nozzles, hose pipes and couplings in serviceable condition.
5. Are there any leakages in the system.
6. Do all the hydrant boxes contain the necessary items.
7. Is the pumping system working satisfactorily.
8. When were the main pump and jockey pump last serviced.
9. Does the jockey pump start automatically when the pressure in the system falls below required level.
10. Is the water level in the Fire Tank maintained at all times.

FIRE DETECTION SYSTEM
1. Has an automatic Fire/Smoke alarm system been installed in the building.
2. Date of last servicing by the contractor.
3. Whether the system is working satisfactorily.
4. Any defects reported and action taken during the period under review.

MISCELLANEOUS
1. Details of Fire Drills conducted during the period under review.
2. Has any fire emergency taken place during the reporting period. If so the details/findings and action taken to prevent recurrence to be mentioned.
3. Details of fire related training imparted to Staff during the period under review.
4. Is smoking totally prohibited within the office premises. Have adequate `NO SMOKING’ signs been put up within the premises.
5. Is Lightening Protection installed in the building.
6. Are tops of lockers/cupboards being used for stocking files, papers etc.
7. Are the electrical appliances being switched off by every department before closing for the day.
8. Is there any temporary wiring/loose wiring in the building.
9. Are all electrical wiring and fittings in good condition.
10.Does the office have a sprinkler system.

Professional Certification

1. The American Society for Industrial Security (ASIS) conducts certification programmes for Security professionals from all over the world. One has to pass an exam to obtain the certification. Exams are designed to assess whether or not a practitioner possesses the knowledge established as the basic competency level required for the designation. In our context the "Certified Protection Professional" (CPP) certification is most suitable. This is an internationally recognised certification. On passing the exam which consists of 200 multiple choice questions the certification is granted and one can mention the same in short form after his name on official stationery, visiting card etc.

2. Certification comes at a cost - $ 200 for ASIS members and $ 350 for non-members. The membership of ASIS costs $ 170 per anum. Once certified an individual has upto three years for recertification which depends on credits one can earn while working in the field of Security. For more details check out www.asisonline.org

3. One good news is that New Delhi has been added to the list of international centres where one can take the exam. Earlier the nearest centre was Singapore. The next exam is scheduled to be held on 5 Nov 2005 and the application deadline is 19 Sep 2005. One has to apply directly to ASIS headquarters. This can be done online too.

4. Now for those of you who are in search of greener pastures abroad in our field, having an ASIS certification can surely land you a plum job and it will be worth your while to spend the time and money in obtaining the same.

Uploading of Photographs to Bishtblog

Hi Guys,

On a suggestion made by Toms I have tried to upload a photo on the blog for the first time. This is the photo of the village Goring-on-Thames, Oxfordshire, U.K. where ARC Training had conducted the course "Security Management & Asset Protection" in May 2002". I had attended the said course and was greatly benefitted by the exposure. ARC Training is now International Academy for Security Management and has teamed up with Middlesex University to offer postgraduate work based studies academic awards in Security Management, up to and including an MSc. The Academy now conducts its courses at Reading (UK) which has better infrastructure and more to offer to visitors. One can now earn university credits on successfully completing various courses run by ARC Training.

Having uploaded the photo and described the locale - I will bid adeiu !!!