The winner of the Turība University “Honorary Graduate” nomination, Mārtiņš Melnis, is a professional and patriot of the field. Currently, working as the Head of the Security Department at Ltd “Rīgas siltums”, serving in the National Guard and organizing events to popularize the industry, Mārtiņš is trying not only to improve himself, but also to educate the public.

What emotions did you experience when you learned that you were the winner of the Turība University Honorary Award in the “Honorary Graduate” nomination?

I was extremely surprised, but delighted. I am currently lecturing at the university and have been a graduate for a long time, so I could not even imagine that I could be nominated for such an award.

What does it mean to you to receive such a nomination?

Receiving the award will certainly make the feelings even more uplifting, but right now I am overwhelmed by thoughts about the merits of my selection. This event encourages you to reflect on what you have accomplished, because in the daily rhythm of life, what you have achieved is often left aside, focusing on the next challenges.

What prompted you to connect your future and career with the field of security?

Like many boys in childhood, I also wanted to become a firefighter or a police officer. After graduating from technical school, I decided to start working as a security guard, and it was there that my interest in both the profession and the security industry in general arose. I felt a calling within me to prevent illegal and malicious activities.

As I worked in the industry for longer and longer, I realized that in-depth knowledge was needed, so I began studying at Turiba in the “Organization Security” program, followed by a master’s degree in “Business Administration”. Over time, I also realized that security issues are not only related to preventing theft. The security industry also encompasses cybersecurity, business security and various risks, and you need to be aware of the importance of your work.

What do you think are the biggest challenges in the security industry?

One of the biggest challenges is the public’s attitude towards security guards and security service employees. The understanding of the work of a security guard is very limited and surrounded by various stereotypes.

Nowadays, considering the salary level, the remuneration of security guards is relatively small. Only a few people think that when they go to the cinema or theater, there is a person there who takes care of everyone’s safety.

The public needs to be explained that the duties of security guards are often invisible, but very responsible. Another serious challenge is the lack of capable specialists, which is closely related to the stereotypes prevailing in society.

Since this profession is not sufficiently appreciated, people do not choose to work in this industry.

Everything else in the security industry can be learned and mastered, but motivating qualified specialists is difficult. Security professionals protect sensitive data, prevent theft and even save lives, so we ourselves are responsible for how we represent this profession and how we break ingrained stereotypes.

How do you spend your free time? Do you have any hobbies?

I try to devote as much of my free time as possible to my family. However, I also enjoy motorcycling and traveling by motorcycle. Together with my colleagues from Turība, we have established the Association of Security Professionals, which also requires investment.

I used to think that I was doing enough for my country, but since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, I have realized that I need to invest even more to protect my homeland. Both civilian and military experience in the field of security often complement each other and are very valuable for professional growth.

What excites and gives you satisfaction in this industry?

The added value of my work gives me the greatest satisfaction. The awareness that what I have done has been an investment in the development of the company and that the initiatives I have promoted have contributed to positive changes.

Safety was different before me, but now it has become more complete – this brings true satisfaction. Each specialist focuses on the most important aspects of safety in his opinion, but being able to get people in the company to take safety more seriously is a great achievement.