| Michael will be responsible for building and strengthening the company's strategic partnerships |
Securitas has appointed a new Director of Policing Development who will be responsible for building and strengthening the company's strategic partnerships with leading crime prevention organisations.
Dr Michael C. McDonagh, formerly a Detective Chief Superintendent with the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) and the Commanding Officer of its Counter Terrorism Protective Security Command, has been brought in to engage and build relationships with Police and Crime Commissioners, National Chief Police Officers, local and national Government officials and other key individuals in the crime prevention field around the UK as part of Securitas' focus on offering specialist protective services.
Background
During his long and distinguished Police career, Michael served with the MPS’ 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 and Paralympic Games, with special responsibilities for the strategic planning and resilience for the 650 London hotels during the Games period. Before joining the police he served with the Corp of Royal Engineers, completing several active service tours overseas.
Addressing key challenges in policing
Commenting on his new role, 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."
Security industry experience
Since leaving the Police Service 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 bodies and associated organisations. In 2013, he was awarded his doctorate for his research into the use of counter terrorism stop and search legislation across the communities of London and the wider United Kingdom. He also has a Master’s Degree in Business Management.
Michael will be based at Securitas' new headquarters in Central London.