The multi-national security company Securitas has appointed a new Director of Policing Development.
He is Dr Michael C McDonagh, formerly a Metropolitan Police detective chief superintendent and the commanding officer of its Counter Terrorism Protective Security Command. His job; to build relationships with police and crime commissioners (PCCs), chief police officers, local and national Government officials and others in the crime prevention field.
In the police, Michael served with the Met’s Homicide Command, Covert Policing, Serious and Specialist Crime Intelligence and Child Protection units. He was also the Senior National Counter Terrorism Protective Security Liaison Officer for the London 2012 Olympics, with special responsibilities for the strategic planning and resilience for the 650 London hotels during the Games. Before joining the police he served with the Corp of Royal Engineers, completing several active service tours overseas.
Michael said: “Securitas is a world-leading security provider with a brand growing rapidly across the globe, so the opportunity to lead on this high-profile and critical area was one I could not turn down. Policing in the UK is becoming ever more complex and the Police face changing security issues that are evolving on an almost daily basis, so it’s vital they identify key industry partners who understand their business and can assist them with some of the ever increasing challenges they face. Securitas is one of these partners and I’m very much looking forward to working with the company’s diverse portfolio of clients.
Securitas’ Country President, Brian Riis Nielsen, said: “We already have an excellent relationship with the Police and other emergency services across the UK and hold a number of contracts directly with eleven local Police forces as well as national agencies that include the Serious Organised Crime Agency. Michael joins us at a very exciting time as we look to drive forward our specialist protective services and I’m delighted to welcome someone with his expert background to lead the team.”
Since leaving the police in 2013, Michael has worked and consulted in the commercial sector and the wider security industry. He is an executive board member on a number of security industry and associated bodies. In 2013, he was awarded his doctorate for his research into the use of counter terrorism stop and search legislation across London and the wider UK. He also has a Master’s Degree in Business Management. He will be based at Securitas’ new headquarters in central London.
