Commenting about the recently-aired Panorama programme exposing the irregularities in the recently-regulated private security industry, Patrick Somerville, Chairman of the Joint Security Industry Council (JSIC), said: “The programme quite properly highlighted some of the residual problems that have not been completely eliminated by the introduction of regulation.”
“Those with criminal intent are able to flout the intention of the law due to the limits placed on the regulator who only requires people directly engaged in managing companies to be licensed. Anyone acting as a security advisor or consultant – even to a licensed organisation - is not required to be licensed. Of course, this opens the door to the types of abuses disclosed in the programme.”
“However, only a very small minority of people take unfair advantage of this loophole - and we’re likely to find this type of criminal activity in only a few locations,” he added.
JSIC and the rest of the security industry strongly support regulation and more robust enforcement of the Act to rid the industry of these individuals and their illegal practices. “Any alleged instances of intimidation and criminal damage are serious crimes and call for detailed investigation by the police assisted by the Security Industry Authority inspectorate and other agencies,” he advised.
Security officer training has been devolved through Approved Awarding Bodies who then approve training centres adhering to specific training and examination procedures. “There is some evidence that these procedures are not always being followed properly which can result in cheating and the acceptance of people with low ability and poor English language skills. There is a need for more effective monitoring of training and testing, particularly in cases where the demand to ensure a high throughput of successful candidates may lead to shortcuts that could lead to poorly qualified license holders,” he said.
“The Joint Security Industry Council has itself and through its member associations worked with the SIA to improve the effectiveness of regulation in the security industry. We will continue to work together – ensuring consistently high standards of professional conduct in the security industry.”
|
