Following the introduction of compulsory Security Industry Authority (SIA) licensing for contracted-in security operatives on 20 March, SIA investigators have conducted a nationwide series of operations as part of enforcement action

During April, May and June, Investigation Teams deployed by the SIA have been rigorously inspecting customer sites, venues and events in a bid to clamp down on security companies who are non-compliant with the law.

The Compliance and Investigation Team works at all times to the National Intelligence Model. Based upon information gathered on non-compliance, the team members have identified individuals working without a licence, managers/directors/ supervisors deploying individuals without a licence, breaches of licensing conditions and Approved Contractors in breach of Licence Dispensation Notice conditions.

Seven operations were conducted. 130 warnings were issued to unlicensed operatives, while Improvement Notices were issued to ten companies found to be deploying unlicensed operatives. Those companies must now take immediate steps to comply with the law. Within this time, non-compliant companies are unable to achieve Approved Contractor status.

Three companies previously issued with Improvement Notices satisfied the Regulator that they are now compliant.

Investigations are ongoing and further action may well be taken.

Dianne Tranmer – the SIA’s assistant director of Investigation and Compliance – told SMT: “We always take a fair and proportionate approach to enforcement action, but by the same token we expect security companies and individuals to comply with the law. The SIA will continue to work collaboratively with the private security industry to raise standards, drive out criminality and ensure compliance with the regulation. This is the first in a series of enforcement projects.”

Source

SMT