Unfriendly Approach of Esplanade Security Guards
- Thread starter baggiolee
- Start date
Sion
Senior Member
If only all the guard are like Kei, the world will be a nicer place right?
Let's get Kei a security guard job in Esplanade then we can go and shoot song song. :bsmilie:
Sharing another security guard incident
http://www.clubsnap.com/forums/kopitiam/999422-incident-shooting-@-f1-pit-stop.html#post7555478
Added: This one is for photographers
http://www.clubsnap.com/forums/kopitiam/999422-incident-shooting-@-f1-pit-stop.html#post7555478
Added: This one is for photographers
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kei1309
Senior Member
although this shows that the fallacy of composition is a valid argument... this is somewhat not what this thread intends and by which i mean, this thread was intended to vent frustrations on security guards who rip into photographers for non-valid reasons.
yes, security guards have it tough. they try to keep others safe. that's their job. which is verily thee true in your point of view. however, what's that gotta do with people taking photos in private areas near nice buildings of nothing dangerous?
What I wish to highlight we may meet up with security which were not friendly (I agree, some are extremely rude)
Somethings we don't see they are instructed by their managements, which the guards have no choice but have to chase people away. (and eventually they will become the scapegoat when someone complains)
In this tread, we do see the security guards may sound quite rude, but shooting @ 2am will sure trigger does trigger concerns (especially when you came with all the big gears)
thomsonthet
New Member
Most will abuse their power. I had an incident at my work. Worst Security guard experience in my life, so far. Long story, it goes like this...
One day, I lost my badge, so at the gate I told the security guy at the entrance very politely, like "hi, good morning, I lost my badge, I work here" n told him my name n employee ID n department name. He asked me how long I've been working n why I don't hv a badge. I explained I working there for 3 years already and again told him lost the badge n need to go in to get replacement. (at the office)
He said " I don't recognize u, are u new? "
I was like, huh?? "U recognize everyone who works here?" (we hv 2000 plus stuffs), told him can u pls check with ur computer n let me in. I'm gonna b late for my morning meeting (I raised voice a little) He said "I'm not gonna let u in, u stand there"!!! I was soo angry. I called security office, told him their guy not letting an employee in. Ask them to settle this asap( yes, I'm e customer, they r contract workers). He then received the call from supervisor, after long conversation with his supervisor, he complaint about me how I raised voice and acting funny, while I'm standing there, He opened the gate and point me n said, " U go in.. Go go, I'll let u in this time."
I go near to him n asked his name. Well, he quickly hide his badge, yelling " why do u want to know my name!", and he closed the gate, yell at me again. " u stand there, I'm not letting u in.". So ok, I call his supervisor again, he finally opened the gate. He then came out from the guard post hut, and yelling at me, " u wanna fight? F u, go bk to ur f king country!" . Well, yes. I'm a foreigner.
A Lot of ppl are watching. We almost fight. I came close to him till we r inches away from each other. But if we fight, I'll have a long list of problems. N I finally came to my senses, walked into the office, talk to security supervisor (equally arrogant), saying his colleague is right. N he has been working all night and he hasn't sleep. So he is agitated, asked me to understand him.
Well, I talked to my boss, who talked to their boss n fired that guy.
Nightmare eh? Feel bad that he lost his job but I still think he deserved it.
One day, I lost my badge, so at the gate I told the security guy at the entrance very politely, like "hi, good morning, I lost my badge, I work here" n told him my name n employee ID n department name. He asked me how long I've been working n why I don't hv a badge. I explained I working there for 3 years already and again told him lost the badge n need to go in to get replacement. (at the office)
He said " I don't recognize u, are u new? "
I was like, huh?? "U recognize everyone who works here?" (we hv 2000 plus stuffs), told him can u pls check with ur computer n let me in. I'm gonna b late for my morning meeting (I raised voice a little) He said "I'm not gonna let u in, u stand there"!!! I was soo angry. I called security office, told him their guy not letting an employee in. Ask them to settle this asap( yes, I'm e customer, they r contract workers). He then received the call from supervisor, after long conversation with his supervisor, he complaint about me how I raised voice and acting funny, while I'm standing there, He opened the gate and point me n said, " U go in.. Go go, I'll let u in this time."
I go near to him n asked his name. Well, he quickly hide his badge, yelling " why do u want to know my name!", and he closed the gate, yell at me again. " u stand there, I'm not letting u in.". So ok, I call his supervisor again, he finally opened the gate. He then came out from the guard post hut, and yelling at me, " u wanna fight? F u, go bk to ur f king country!" . Well, yes. I'm a foreigner.
A Lot of ppl are watching. We almost fight. I came close to him till we r inches away from each other. But if we fight, I'll have a long list of problems. N I finally came to my senses, walked into the office, talk to security supervisor (equally arrogant), saying his colleague is right. N he has been working all night and he hasn't sleep. So he is agitated, asked me to understand him.
Well, I talked to my boss, who talked to their boss n fired that guy.
Nightmare eh? Feel bad that he lost his job but I still think he deserved it.
saveDqueen
New Member
Honestly I am not siding with anyone, but do consider that if you are the corporate people at Esplanade, would you be pleased if people are having non-permitted professional photo shoots, which may or may not be commercially utilized and the theme/content of the shoot is not applicable/degrading towards Esplanade's image or reputation?
How would they answer to their superior or bosses then?
Eventually this thread is about hobby photographers not recognizing or knowing the need of location release forms in certain private or owned entity, then they complain about security guards who are actually doing their job, yes there are rotten apples, I agree.
But I believe that a give and take mentality must exist if we generally want to portray photographer's image to be as gentlemen or lady like possible.
How would they answer to their superior or bosses then?
Eventually this thread is about hobby photographers not recognizing or knowing the need of location release forms in certain private or owned entity, then they complain about security guards who are actually doing their job, yes there are rotten apples, I agree.
But I believe that a give and take mentality must exist if we generally want to portray photographer's image to be as gentlemen or lady like possible.
Taking of photograph in the public is not against the law.
Once i was taking picture outside the family court, the guard came out and say no photograph. I ask him why? He was stunned for 3 sec and reply, "no why, just cannot take, please delete the picture"
Heck care him and walk away.
So you mean, tourist came to our so called, "Clean city" and wanna shoot some picture to show to family members when they return home and realised that taking photograph in Singapore is not allow? Even in public places?
Once i was taking picture outside the family court, the guard came out and say no photograph. I ask him why? He was stunned for 3 sec and reply, "no why, just cannot take, please delete the picture"
Heck care him and walk away.
So you mean, tourist came to our so called, "Clean city" and wanna shoot some picture to show to family members when they return home and realised that taking photograph in Singapore is not allow? Even in public places?
s1221ljc
Senior Member
There are always 2 sides to the coin. There are bad security guards & there are bad photogs. Some photogs behave like they are entitled to everything & people have to accomodate them in their pursuits. Some make a nuisance of themselves, making lots of noise & blocking peoples paths, carried away in their enthusiasm. So is it a surprise photogs are viewed as pests by some?
I think good communication & understanding will go a long way to help resolve conflicts much better with security guards. If one freely & willingly identify oneself & state clearly one's intent upfront, in most cases, this will help remove doubts & suspicions, the cause of most conflicts. Asking why this why that shows that one doesnt understand the concerns & responsibilities behind the security personnel & his job, or other peoples concern. As an example, if a group of photogs were to go to a HDB flat & start taking photos at 2am in the morning, how do you think the residents will react??? Of course its a public area, but its up to us to reassure others & even explain our unusual behaviour. If the police is called in, do we argue with them that it is our right to do what we do & they should back off?
My experience is that if I try to see the situation through their eyes & then act accordingly in a cordial & co-operative manner without being antagonistic or condescending, most security personnel will trust & leave us alone. Of course some will chose to treat these security personnel as lowly, uneducated, uncouth, hopeless, stupid, etc & it may give one great satisfaction to thrash them if they so ever dare to "challenge" us. If given a choice, most security personnel would prefer nothing happens & they can just sit back & relax. Sure there are those who just cant stand photogs with their expensive gears & thier so-free pasttimes I've seen the worst of both & feel that respect cut both ways. Not easy for one whose job in most respect is basically to say "no" & difficult for people to accept a "no" answer.
I think good communication & understanding will go a long way to help resolve conflicts much better with security guards. If one freely & willingly identify oneself & state clearly one's intent upfront, in most cases, this will help remove doubts & suspicions, the cause of most conflicts. Asking why this why that shows that one doesnt understand the concerns & responsibilities behind the security personnel & his job, or other peoples concern. As an example, if a group of photogs were to go to a HDB flat & start taking photos at 2am in the morning, how do you think the residents will react??? Of course its a public area, but its up to us to reassure others & even explain our unusual behaviour. If the police is called in, do we argue with them that it is our right to do what we do & they should back off?
My experience is that if I try to see the situation through their eyes & then act accordingly in a cordial & co-operative manner without being antagonistic or condescending, most security personnel will trust & leave us alone. Of course some will chose to treat these security personnel as lowly, uneducated, uncouth, hopeless, stupid, etc & it may give one great satisfaction to thrash them if they so ever dare to "challenge" us. If given a choice, most security personnel would prefer nothing happens & they can just sit back & relax. Sure there are those who just cant stand photogs with their expensive gears & thier so-free pasttimes
I've seen the worst of both & feel that respect cut both ways. Not easy for one whose job in most respect is basically to say "no" & difficult for people to accept a "no" answer.
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David Kwok
Senior Member
thomsonthet said:
Nice. I only know this and I stand by it, security guard should be responsible and firm in their stand. They don't need to get agitated and they don't need to angry too. They should have protocols to follow to get work done. As long as protocols are followed and work is done, I will agree. Once they deviate from their responsibility and their jurisdiction, they are out for trouble. If people don't know their position and like to challenge in this manner, they are bound for rice bowl kicked.
For this kind of situation, the best approach for him to do is just nicely tell you he can't let you in because you have no pass. Just request you to call any of the employee to escort you in, so that he can note down that employee number for him to report such an exceptional case is allowed for his boss to know. Then let you in. Simple as abc. It is hard to understand why some people need to be so hard on themselves. Keke.
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kei1309
Senior Member
i concur. though the security guard hadn't slept, that's no reason to be rude in the morning. imagine a soldier on guard duty who hasn't slept the night before doesn't recognize a general and pulls a stunt like that, with the same arrogant attitude. off to the detention barracks he goes.
for this reason, i believe all high resolution cameras should be confiscated. anything more than 18MP that allows you to blow up images. because if you're shooting from One Fullerton, 24MP can get you a large image that can be used to plan terrorist attacks. therefore, the esplanade should station security guards at One Fullerton to ensure no one points the camera in that area.
sheesh. this is ridiculous.
the esplanade is a tourist attraction and one should be allowed to capture it in their shots. there's no right and wrong, unless you're playing favorites and locals can't shoot while foreigners and tourists can. totally unfair. someone should write to the papers or MPs and complain. whack the buggers.
Sion
Senior Member
As a responsible citizen of this great nation, I don't think you should divulge such sensitive military information on a public forum.
Your permisis do not have visitor's pass? I see the process is wrong somewhere here... For most places, if staff forgot to bring their pass either they have to take a visitor pass and obtain a temp pass from their internal division once they are in. Or another staff to escot him in if required. The security guard is right about not letting anyone in without a pass. Who knows that the staff is one of the security audit officer testing them. But the security guard in this case is rude also.
kei1309
Senior Member
sorry bro, but i believe you've taken the point of this thread out of context.
we're talking about so-called restrictions on photography, but you're just yakking on non-stop about bad experiences with security guards.
hi, I am not the person yakking my bad expereince with the security here.
wootsk
Deregistered
We are not talking about "so-called restrictions on photography". We are talking about "Unfriendly Approach of Esplanade Security Guards". (Read thread title) Any stuff like encounter with unfriendly security guards should be all right ba.
photoart
Senior Member
I have had my share of enounters with buildings' security guards.
it's all about people relations management. You take the soft approach, the opposition will soften. You go hard, they will retaliate.
it's not only with security guards, but with everyone.
There was once I was shooting with a couple of models at the cathay building. When the guards approach me. I just smiled and told them i'm shooting for personal reasons. They kindly explain to me that they can't let me do it unless I have a permit.
So I just kindly request that I do a few simple shots and will be out in no time. however they also explained that they have to answer to the management too.
They even gave me the telephone number of the management to request for a "permit". after talking to the management, I just have to email to them to inform them the date and time that I want to shoot.
Subsequently whenever I want to shoot at buildings, I just send an email to them. If they don't allow, I just don't shoot there. If they allow, I print out the email and bring with me on the shoot
Fullerton Hotel was so nice they they even gave me a "approval letter", just in case anyone asked.
so, in future during any people-to-people interaction, just go for the soft approach.
Dealing with a sales-staff or customer service staff or anybody is the same:
if you smile, and smile... and smile....and smile.... the other party will soften
if you go hard and scold... the other party will start to defend
it's all about people relations management. You take the soft approach, the opposition will soften. You go hard, they will retaliate.
it's not only with security guards, but with everyone.
There was once I was shooting with a couple of models at the cathay building. When the guards approach me. I just smiled and told them i'm shooting for personal reasons. They kindly explain to me that they can't let me do it unless I have a permit.
So I just kindly request that I do a few simple shots and will be out in no time. however they also explained that they have to answer to the management too.
They even gave me the telephone number of the management to request for a "permit". after talking to the management, I just have to email to them to inform them the date and time that I want to shoot.
Subsequently whenever I want to shoot at buildings, I just send an email to them. If they don't allow, I just don't shoot there. If they allow, I print out the email and bring with me on the shoot
Fullerton Hotel was so nice they they even gave me a "approval letter", just in case anyone asked.
so, in future during any people-to-people interaction, just go for the soft approach.
Dealing with a sales-staff or customer service staff or anybody is the same:
if you smile, and smile... and smile....and smile.... the other party will soften
if you go hard and scold... the other party will start to defend
kei1309
Senior Member
thread title says so, but TS posted an entirely different story. so it means that either TS OTed his own thread, or we're all OT-ing in his thread. TS is complaining about not being allowed to photograph and the restriction on photography and being forced to handover his IC.
in that case that this is to talk about security guards, slmka is creating a secondary thread about a similar issue.
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