What’s it really like working inside a UK prison?

In this episode of the FrontLine Security Podcast, Carl sits down with Lester Hales, a Prison Custody Officer with 15 years of experience in the security industry — and a Royal Humane Society bravery medal to prove it.

We talk about:

• Life behind the prison walls
• Officer corruption and how it’s spotted
• The mental health challenges prisoners face
• How Lester was assaulted on duty before earning national recognition
• And the skills he brought from private security into the prison system

It’s raw, insightful, and packed with real frontline experiences — from riots and restraint training to teamwork and second chances.

In this July 2025 edition of Frontline Round-Up, Carl dives into the latest happenings in the UK security industry. From celebrating International Security Officers Day and the heroic actions of Abdullah Tanoli, to major SIA business updates, private security initiatives, and summer festival season successes, this episode has it all.

Also, Get Licensed updates on the Project Transition initiative, which has trained over 100 candidates now working in the industry, and exciting news about upcoming giveaways and opportunities in security training.

Tune in for all the industry news, shoutouts, and inspiration from the world of security!

Ask ChatGPT

In this episode of the Frontline Security Podcast, host Carl Randle sits down with Daniel Blackwood, the Managing Director of ResponSec, to explore the high-pressure world of event and festival security. From managing massive crowds at football stadiums and music festivals to keeping calm under pressure, Daniel shares his journey from frontline security to leading one of the UK’s most respected event security firms. We also cover crowd control techniques, essential safety tips, how Martyn’s Law will impact the industry, and the traits that make a great security professional.

Whether you’re working in event security, thinking about joining the industry, or just curious about what goes on behind the scenes, this episode is packed with insights.

🎯 We cover:

• What it's like running security at massive events
• How to manage huge crowds safely
• Why training is key for security professionals
• How to handle high-pressure situations on the job
• Safety tips for festival goers and event attendees
• How Martyn's Law will affect the events industry
• What the future holds for security professionals

This is a must-watch for anyone in the private security sector, aspiring to work in event security, or interested in the behind-the-scenes of how safety is maintained at the UK’s biggest venues.