Every security function collects data in some format which is normally stored somewhere and forgotten until it’s needed in an emergency, or simply lost due to neglect or ignorance of the value of that data. And while many organisations claim to be able to take security data and transform it into intelligence (in other words, something of value), the industry has not seen dramatic results due to the better management and use of information.
One company, Crest Advisory, launched in 2011 in the UK, has made a name for itself by creating systems and processes by which it analyses data from various sources and delivers information to its customers. Put another way, the firm delivers intelligence that allows its customers to deliver better services with measurable results. In the vernacular, Crest is a big data company with the tools to turn its data into actionable intelligence. Crest initially focused on providing robust advice to police forces, but has expanded to dealing with a variety of public and private parties.
An example of Crest’s operations include working with the UK police to understand concerns about crime in particular cities, drilling down to each community, analysing what makes communities concerned about crime in one area or why people feel safe next door.
The software Crest has developed to collate this data overlays crime figures on a map and can even provide insight at street level, highlighting which streets are hot areas and which not.
Crest not only advises the police on how they can cut crime and improve confidence in a neighbourhood, but enables police forces and the security industry to understand the benefits of working with communities to tackle crime problems together.
Crest is also involved in a long-term project examining the rehabilitation of people once released from gaol. The 20-year project tracks people to determine the effectiveness of
rehabilitation programmes and advise what could be done to improve them.
Crest Advisory is led by Gavin Lockhart-Mirams, who gained his experience working at a leading management consultancy, a British ‘think-tank’ and as a senior policing policy advisor to the British Prime Minister.
Crest in Africa
Recently, Crest launched its South African office, Crest Advisory Africa, headed by Nico Snyman with the goal of providing the same risk advisory services to public and private companies on the continent. Snyman has a long career in the security industry and has garnered many awards along the way.
He spent seven years as the station commissioner at Meadowlands Police Station where, among other accolades, he was responsible for starting over 26 projects focused on the prevention of crimes against women and children, domestic violence, rape prevention regarding victims below the age of 14, liquor abuse etc. Snyman was also responsible for implementing and overseeing the security strategy for the Gautrain project from the project’s launch.
Crest Africa has already gained the services of a number of highly qualified individuals in the risk and compliance area in South Africa, as well as international experts as it brings the ability to turn loads of data into actionable intelligence to Africa.
Snyman says the company helps clients by assisting them to improve their impact, communicate and engage more productively, and by providing insight they previously would not have had.
Snyman describes Crest’s focus in Africa as follows: “In an environment characterised by demands for stronger accountability and greater transparency in the public and private sectors, the Crest team can minimise risk and improve corporate governance and compliance in both the public and private sectors.”
The Crest team’s capabilities are underpinned by their:
* Leadership experience in some of the world’s most high profile and complex organisations.
* Their track record of identifying risk, training leaders and describing new opportunities.
* Their collaboration with partners who have designed and delivered innovative ways to reduce risks.
Crest empowers customers that are demanding greater clarity about the nature and extent of the risks that they face today in order to improve their services and reduce directors’ liability. The company provides the advantage of a robust corporate governance and accountability framework that engenders confidence in customers, shareholders and the public.
For more information, contact Nico Snyman, Crest Advisory Africa, +27 (0)76 403 4307, nico@crestadvisoryafrica.com
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