Police & Protocol, lessons from Egypt.
Last week’s article focused around the quality of service in various service industries, with particular emphasis on the service ethos in Middle Eastern territories versus more western and Caribbean territories. This week I will continue to explore the various differentiations noted in the security industry, particularly as it pertains to the management of and interaction with people.
I was in the middle of Dubai when I was advised that a state of emergency was called in Egypt for a three month period as a result of the terrorist attack in one of its cities called Alexandria. Naturally, there
was some hesitation to continue the journey into Egypt, however curiosity overcame fear, and my journey continued into the world's only contiguous Afrasian nation. My first thought upon entry into the country,
as that I anticipated a higher and more stringent security presence, however, I was later advised that the presence was there, however, there was little need to cause more discomfort in incoming arrivals.
Tourism is one of the most important sectors in Egypt's economy. More than 12.8 million tourists visited Egypt in 2008, providing revenues of nearly $11 billion. The tourism sector employs about 12% of Egypt's workforce. Tourism Minister Hisham Zaazou told industry professionals and reporters that tourism generated some $9.4 billion in 2012, a slight increase over the $9 billion seen in 2011. [Wikipedia]. Though within the various roadways and entrances to the various Tourist sites, the heightened security presence is visible and palpable, and visitors are required to produce identification before re-entry into various Cairo based hotels, one does not feel intimidated, nor unnerved by the protective services, nor does one feel any real threat, even in the wake of the recent terrorist attack.
Egyptologist, and professional tour guide, Hussien Abu El Ella, when asked about the balance between Policing and protocol, stated that Tourism in Egypt is a ‘big business.’ “….It [ tourism] is one of our main income sources, so we have to take extra care of it. Egypt has a department in our police called Tourism Police, they are very professional men, highly trained in both protecting tourists, as well as ensuring hey are treated in a good manner. These special police officers must learn and follow protocol, because we see every visitor to Egypt as a VIP.” Abu El Ella continued, “As a result of the increased security challenges over the years, the requirements for these special officers increased, and as a direct result, the impact has been that sometimes, tourists may have to wait a bit longer in lines, and you may see them with more firearms, however, they generally operate with an understanding that our visitors must feel both safe and comfortable.”
I can certainly attest that I did feel safe and comfortable, even in the midst the increased threat levels. The state of emergency was not coupled with a ‘curfew’, nor were you, in any way made to feel that your basic rights were being infringed. Whilst certain clear measures were taken, any measure that may have been perceived as bringing discomfort was clearly articulated to ensure you understood the rationale and outcome. If, of course there were any language barriers, your tour official would provide the buffer.
Security services operate with an unwritten social compact. This undocumented, but understood contract between the public and the protective services demonstrates a collaboration between the two groups, where the protective service is expected to provide a measure of public protection and service, whilst the public is expected to do their part in providing the necessary support to the protective services to support them in getting their jobs done in an effective and efficient manner.
