The SIA carried out the four-day operation – which began on Wednesday 15 December and ran through until Tuesday 21 December – to test compliance among those working in the private security industry.
Investigators inspected 63 security officers and CCTV operators working at 13 premises, including shopping centres, High Street outlets, leisure and retail parks to determine compliance with the Private Security Industry Act 2001.
In total, 85 licences were checked as some individuals held dual licences. All licences were valid.
However, in Glasgow, Perth and Dunfermline six warnings were issued to security officers for breaches of SIA licence conditions.
Five operatives were warned for failing to notify the SIA of a change of address, and one individual was warned for failing to display their licence while on duty.
Reassurances for members of the public
SIA head of investigation Sara Hesp commented: “It has been three years since SIA regulation in Scotland came into force. During this time, we have carried out a number of intelligence-led partner operations to ensure that operatives working in the private security industry do so legally.”
Of course it’s vitally important for the SIA to conduct random operations like this one in order to ensure that it’s targeting the correct sectors and areas.
“I’m pleased that all individuals checked held valid SIA licences,” added Hesp. “This is reassuring for members of the public, especially during the Christmas period when more people are out and about.”
Hesp ended on a note of caution. “However, I must remind operatives that if they’re carrying out licensable activity, they must hold a valid SIA licence and adhere to licence conditions.”
Any breach of the law or licence conditions is a criminal offence and could lead to security staff having their SIA licences suspended or revoked.
