Jason Unrau
Northern News Services

Inuvik (May 28/04) - Prevention is the key to safe and secure environments, says Amir Suliman, manager and proprietor of Inuvik's only security company.

Manager and founder of Amirco Security Amir Suliman outside Samuel Hearne secondary school. Suliman's security company was contracted to do 24-hour security for the damaged building following the fire in the gymnasium. - Jason Unrau/NNSL photo

Established in 1997, Amirco Security first provided its services to the old regional hospital. Since then, Suliman's business has continued its work at the new hospital, as well as accepting contracts to provide security for the Hotel Group, Petroleum Show and Great Northern Arts Festival.

Following the alleged arson at Samuel Hearne secondary school's gymnasium, Amirco Security was hired by the Department of Public Works and Services to provide 24-hour coverage at the site.

"We make sure no unauthorized people enter the building," said Suliman during his shift at SHSS Monday.

Each shift, two Amirco Security staff patrol the site ensuring people stay out of restricted areas and refrain from using a shortcut on the school's east side.

Apart from an incident last week when some youth refused to pay heed to security staff and the RCMP had to be called, people have been co-operative.

"People have listened so far and we haven't really had any problems," said Suliman.

Suliman says he started the company back in 1997 because "security is the same as insurance and there was nobody else providing this service in town."

"The best part of the job is that you feel like you are reception more than security," said the former volunteer at Inuvik's fire hall. "It's nice to greet people at the hospital and direct them to the right place."

And what about the worst part?

"Well, the worst is when people argue with you and then we are forced to call the RCMP to intervene."

On Monday afternoon, a day before SHSS re-opened for students, Suliman was unsure if his company's role would continue.

"If they need us, we'll be there," he said. "The (ongoing) presence of security at the school might be a good thing to enforce certain rules and when the presence is there, sometimes that's all that's required (for a safe environment)."