JSIC Forum targets police reform

The Joint Security Industry Council's (JSIC) annual Security Forum – to be held on Tuesday 28 May at the Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre in London's Westminster – will focus on the most pressing issue of the day for the industry: the role of a regulated private security sector in the extended police family.

Jointly sponsored by the Government and the industry (sponsors including The Corps of Commissionaires, Noble Security Services, the National Security Inspectorate, The Security Watchdog and Security Management Today have already signed up), the one-day event features three morning discussion sessions and a similar number of post-lunch workshops to debate the themes discussed.

Following the keynote speech by Home Office minister John Denham, the first presentation looks at the 'Security Industry Authority's Formation and Operation'. This will be chaired by either Molly Meacher (chairman) or John Saunders (chief executive) of the Security Industry Authority (SIA) and Graham Titcombe of the Home Office. In combination with the afternoon workshop, the session will examine how the SIA will be structured and how it might maintain a truly impartial stance.

The second morning presentation considers the impact of the recent White Paper entitled 'Policing A New Century: A Blueprint for Reform', and will be chaired by Richard Childs (chief constable of Lincolnshire Police).

What can the industry do to extend such initiatives as the Trafford Guardsafe scheme, and what will be the structure of police-private sector partnerships in the years ahead? How are standards going to be raised, and how will the National Police Plan and the National Police Forum be affected? These are just some of the questions to be answered.

'IT Security post the Private Security Industry Act 2001' is the subject of the third presentation and workshop. Chaired by Andrew Rathmell of the IAAC and independent consultant Chris Gordon-Wilson, these sessions will look at several key issues. When is a decision likely on the possible regulation of the IT industry, and what would be the best way of implementing this? And would there be any point in regulating IT security on a national basis, given the global nature of the Internet?

The event proper kicks off at 9.30 am in the QEII Conference Centre's Westminster Suite, whereupon Lord Mackenzie of Framwellgate – the JSIC president – will give the opening address.

If you are a key player in the industry and you haven't yet registered for the JSIC Forum then make sure you do. Telephone JSIC direct on 01344 873113 or 01344 638625 (fax: 01344 638626) or e-mail: jointsic@netscapeonline.com Cost to JSIC members is £205 (non-members £264).