‘Security is often in the smallest of details’

The IND Security Chain is the expertise and coordination centre in the area of safety, security, monitoring, crisis control and prevention. Talander works as an account manager at the Security Team of the Northern region. He coordinates the implementation of organisational, architectural and electronic security measures and enforces compliance of the security protocols.

Primary concern

‘There was once a mother in Ter Apel who panicked, dropped her child to the ground and injured herself,’ Talander tells. ‘Of course this had an enormous impact on all people involved. Thanks to effective cooperation with the police of the COA and the medical service of the COA, we could first provide support for the children separately from the mother and then reunite them under supervision in a calm setting. The staff of the IND were supported when processing this traumatising experience. We do complex work and demand a lot from our colleagues. So, security is a primary concern for the IND.’  

Always on the alert

This example is one of many from which it becomes apparent how important it is to always stay on the alert and respond adequately. ‘Our field of work is quite broad,’ Talander explains. ‘From the physical security of our locations to digital security of our systems, and from training staff to be safety aware to providing support when traumatic experiences need to be processed. No day is the same and every situation is different. The dynamics are what makes the work challenging and interesting.’

You create security together

‘Effective cooperation is the driver behind a safe environment,’ Talander continues, ‘because security is something you create together. I cooperate closely with different organisations, such as the police, the COA, local councils and other government organisations. This cooperation is really necessary to guarantee the safety of our staff, applicants and visitors. Of course we make clear agreements with one another and there is a certain structure, but unexpected situations always require tailoring and flexibility, As a security account manager it is then important that I have direct connections and maintain good contact with everyone.

Thinking on your feet, acting quickly

‘A while back, 40 foreign nationals were waiting at Zwolle station,’ Talander tells when he emphasises the importance of effective cooperation. ‘They were angry because they had to wait long for their asylum application and therefore wanted to go to our IND location in Ter Apel. Thanks to the effective cooperation between NS, the COA and the local police, we were able to organise busses to return the group to their reception centre and prevent further incidents. That is essential in my work: thinking on your feet, acting quickly and cooperating well, with both internal and external partners.

Innovating and adapting

The world changes all the time and with it, security risks change. ‘Therefore, the IND must always be aware of the latest developments and technologies,’ Talander explains, ‘and we must deploy them proactively. We are currently using a body scan in Ter Apel, for example. It replaces the search procedure and this is an improvement for the applicant’s experience as well as security in Ter Apel.’ 

‘Security is in my blood’

Talander is at the right place with the IND. He is proud of his role and his impact on the security of the organisation. Moreover, he is given scope to develop himself and feels supported in his job as a volunteer with the fire brigade. ‘You can see that security is in my blood,’ he says laughing. ‘I am grateful that I am given the opportunity here to develop personally and professionally.
‘Particularly, it feels good to know that I can make a difference, whether it is about improving a safety protocol, putting up new fences or training a colleague: each step is a step closer to a safer work environment. Here, I can help and protect others. And that is why I’m doing it.’