There is a lot more to building site security than simply deterring criminals.

A security system that tries to keep our criminals but gives up once they have managed to find their way onto the property is pretty useless and is asking for trouble in the long-term.

You need active security that deters criminals, detects those who do manage to gain entry, AND helps to identify them and track them down if they manage to get in and out without being detected.

Surveillance is key, not only in terms of CCTV but also in terms of physical security guards with an expertly honed eye for trouble and even security dogs that have a highly attuned sense of smell and hearing.

In this blog we will go through some of the most effective tools in the building site surveillance toolbox and help you create a security system to be proud of that will protect your assets for the duration of the project.

Building Site CCTV

CCTV is key to building site security. Some security measures are optional on infrastructure projects and property developments but CCTV is not one of them.

If wired CCTV cameras are not an option there are plenty of mobile temporary solutions that are and there is simply no excuse for failing to put your property under video surveillance 24 hours a day.

CCTV is a fantastic deterrent to intruders. You know just how effective it is and so do criminals who will go nowhere near your site once they see your cameras if they have any sense about them.

CCTV cameras aren’t only an asset for your security staff either and can help to optimise your project management as well.

By monitoring progress via security cameras, you or a fellow building site manager will be able to determine exactly where resources need to be and when and ensure that assets are never left lying around not in use when they could be used elsewhere.

They also allow you to track progression from afar meaning that even if you can’t make it to the site on a certain day you can still make changes that improve productivity.

CCTV towers

When it comes to temporary CCTV for construction sites, CCTV towers are in a league of their own.

These cutting edge systems require no electricity and can be placed anywhere on your site, providing immediately 360 degree 24/7 coverage of a large area of land.

These systems have all the frills you would expect from a modern security system including mobile remote monitoring and automatic motion detection alongside a range of smart AI features such as virtual tripwires that maximise their effectiveness.

If you choose a monitored CCTV system it will not only identify intruders but also alert a local security firm to their presence and deploy a mobile response unit immediate to your location. Once on site the security professionals will conduct a full sweep of the premises to determine if the risk is genuine.

Many people leaving school or seeking a career change know they want to be a lawyer, or at least work in the law profession, but they don’t know exactly what type of lawyer they want to be.

At an early stage this isn’t too much of an issue as most people study for a degree in law, get a broad understanding of the law and legal system and specialise at a later stage. However, having a better idea of exactly what types of lawyers exist and where you might like to work can help you gain an advantage later down the line.

Any work experience you can get as a law student will help you stand out from the crowd when applying for trainee contracts after graduation and if that experience is with a firm that specialises in the area of law you end up pursuing, even better,

To help you narrow down your options, we have put together this guide to the different types of lawyers that operate in the UK, including their roles and responsibilities and what their day-to-day life looks.

What is a lawyer?

Before we look at different types of lawyers, we need to understand exactly what the term lawyer means. Lawyer refers to licenced legal practitioners operating in any area of law. The term encompasses a range of professions including solicitors, barristers, and more. Within the legal profession there are many different areas of law in which lawyers may specialise that require a unique set of skills and knowledge.

Different types of lawyer

Criminal Lawyer

A criminal defence solicitor will provide advice to those facing criminal charges of all kinds, ensuring that they are given a fair trial and that they have the best possible case for the defence.

They will analyse all the evidence associated with the case and create a defence strategy that gives their clients the best chance of achieving the best possible outcome, be it a reduced sentence, or complete acquittal.

During a court hearing, a criminal defence lawyer will prevent their client’s case and cross-examine witnesses, as well as looking for any flaws in the prosecution’s case that could be used to their client’s advantage or even to have the case dismissed.

Criminal law is highly-pressured and requires superb negotiation, communication, and analysis skills to be successful.

Employment Lawyer

Employment solicitors ensure that their client’s employment situation is legal and that contracts, payslips, and timesheets fully comply with the latest employment laws.

Should their client be dismissed, they will use their expertise to ensure they get the justice they deserve if the proper protocols were not followed. Becoming an expert in employment law is a long-term process with an incredible amount of case law and precedent to examine and study.

Businesses will also often consult with employment lawyers when creating contracts or when looking to let staff go to ensure that they won’t find themselves in legal trouble further down the line and are meeting all their obligations as an employer.

Family Lawyer

Family law is a highly emotional and high-stakes area of law in which mediation and negotiation is generally preferable to court proceedings.

A family lawyer will help to resolve divorce settlement disputes and represent their client in child custody disputes, both in negotiations and in court if absolutely necessary.

They must be skilled in dealing with emotional and stressed cliental and work towards a non-confrontational mediated positive outcome for their clients whenever possible.

Immigration Lawyer

Immigration lawyers and human rights lawyers may earn slightly less than some of the other lawyer types on this list but if you are passionate about becoming a lawyer to help people improve their lives, defend their human rights, and ensure that justice is served, there is no better role to do just that.

Immigration lawyers provide legal services regarding the movement of people to and from the UK, including assisting with visa applications, representing their clients in right to remain appeals, and briefing individuals before interviews with the authorities.

Immigration lawyers will also work with businesses looking to expand into other countries or bring in staff from overseas.

Immigration lawyers are required to maintain an incredibly in-depth knowledge of immigration law and help break down complex processes to give their clients the best possible opportunity to build a future for themselves and their families.

Property lawyer

Property lawyers oversee all the processes regarding the buying and selling of a property. They will represent their clients during conveyance and mediate between the seller and buyer to ensure a smooth transaction.

They will also represent those involved in disputes regarding property, such as who is at fault for property damage or where property boundaries are located specifically.