CST welcomes 240 commercial security guards

Several years ago when CST first received Government funding for guarding at state funded Jewish schools, CST began to engage regularly with numerous commercial guarding companies. Since then, CST has held an annual briefing in advance of the High Holy Days. 

When CST first began hosting these sessions, 20 people would attend. Last year 125 guards attended. Last night a record 240 commercial guards from across Greater London attended a briefing at a Jewish school in North London, a far larger venue than CST initially would use for briefings. Similar briefings are held for other commercial security guards around the UK.  

Those in attendance received a briefing and update on CST’s work from CST’s National Head of Training. The guards met key staff whom they interact with on a regular basis, including the CST regional and training teams. The guards were also briefed about CST’s new state-of-the-art national security control room and the new countrywide security radio network.

Several presentations followed, including a summary of threats facing the Jewish community and a presentation on new security procedures. Additionally, CST staff explained what constitutes antisemitism, and what is considered best practice when reporting antisemitic incidents to both CST and the Police. In order to ensure all commercial security guards are well prepared for any eventuality, CST security trainers led the guards through several scenarios.

CST wishes to thank all those who attended last night who work hard to ensure the protection of our Jewish community.