Security at London Hydro
By: Darren Lee

	As a Co-op student for Regina Mundi College, I was looking for a career with a challenge.  This career would have to have many responsibilities, but at the same time be a career that I would enjoy working at day in and day out.  Since I have a great interest in the law field, I found something that fulfills my requirements and even more.  

	In late September, I applied to Stinson Security Services in London.  It was the closest thing I could get to a career with the law involved.  With a great youthful military experience, I felt encouraged to go through with a service that not only required self-discipline and responsibility, but required the use of a uniform.  Once my interview was complete, I was automatically accepted into Stinson Security and was immediately placed to London Hydro.  Some would ask well why in the world you would need Security at London Hydro. The answer is quite simple, safety of the city of London.  At London Hydro all the main hydro is wired through that one building, therefore all the power and water for the city could essentially be turned off.    Since the events of last year, security has been “beefed” up at London Hydro for this reason alone, and all the doors are swipe access only.  At work I am in control of all the doors and gates the employees walk through everyday.  I am responsible each employee gets through the required doors they need to go into; by using my computer software I can un-lock any door remotely at any time.  I am given full access to each room in the building, as well as rights to lock anyone out I feel does not need to be in a certain room.  

	Not only does London Hydro control the main hydro for the city, but it also has many public issues as well.  Anyone who has an account with Ontario Hydro or any independent hydro company pays their bills at this building, and hydro is cut from that building if bills are not paid.  Keeping this in mind everyday I have many customers coming in the building wanting to speak to someone about their hydro bill.  Many are already very mad at the company and take their aggression out on me by cursing, yelling, even becoming violent.  As a security guard it is my duty to stop them however possible, and to seek the best solution for them.  I am under high risk everyday, as other guards employed have informed me that death and physical harm threats come through often, and the person issuing the threats usually shows up ready to go.  Due to this, all guards employed at the placement go through “use of force” training, where at Fanshawe College we learn how to arrest someone, use proper force on suspects, and the laws that apply with it.  Security Guards are now allowed to arrest and detain anyone who steps on the property and causes serious damage or threats employees.  

I believe this job is what I was looking for, and I enjoy it everyday, whether it is monitoring the video equipment, controlling doors, answering phone calls, or dealing with customers.  It will certainly give me insight into the future of a possible career in law enforcement