One-stop security shop caters for overborder cargo

International Risk and Security Management (IRSM) has partnered with best-of-breed service providers to offer the industry what directors Ernest Walters and Jaco de Kock believe is a turnkey security solution for the freight and transport industries. “The idea is to provide every facet of risk and security management under one umbrella,” says Walters, “and the solution will be tailored to meet individual company needs.” There are four elements in the company’s portfolio of services – training, fleet management, security and logistical support. And De Kock is a firm believer that effective training lies at the heart of any good security plan. “In the freight industry, trucks are moving high-value commodities. Our prime intention is to train drivers in hijack prevention. We’re not only teaching them what to do but the control room monitors their movements from the moment they leave the depot until the freight is loaded. This is a critical mechanism when it comes to proving insider involvement, which makes up a large percentage of hijacking incidents.” It’s not only about avoiding hijacking incidents – it’s also about training drivers on how to avoid accidents. And while training is often seen as a grudge purchase, IRSM has the figures to demonstrate that well-trained drivers ultimately translate into significant savings in maintenance, fuel and the like – and therefore reflect positively on the bottom line. Another key element of the package involves security – and here IRSM will either place someone in the cab with the driver or provide an escort with live tracking via GPS wherever he’s travelling – including cross-border. “We are able to offer a solution to any problem you may have,” says Walters. “Tell us your needs and we will tailor a package that suits you.” And this extends to trauma debriefing, conflict handling and how to control yourself in a stressful situation Established two years ago, the company has developed and designed all its training programmes in-house – and these are constantly monitored and updated. Walters and De Kock are both ex-policemen with 40 years of combined experience in the police force, vehicle tracking and private security industries. INSERT & CAPTION 1 Tell us your needs and we will tailor a package that suits you. – Ernest Walters INSERT & CAPTION 2 Well-trained drivers ultimately translate into significant savings in maintenance and fuel— and therefore reflect positively on the bottom line. – Jaco de Kock