“The security industry is a profession, not a minimum wage job” – BSIA responds to Manchester Arena Inquiry report

Following the report released in June from the first phase of the Manchester Arena Inquiry, which highlighted “missed opportunities” to identify the security threat by those responsible, the British Security Industry Association (BSIA) has issued its response.  

“The British Security Industry Association and its members’ thoughts are with those who lost loved ones, suffered injuries, and had their lives shattered due to the terrorist attack that took place at the Manchester Arena on 22 May 2017.

“The Manchester Arena Inquiry has highlighted key areas to improve upon in the interest of the public’s safety and wellbeing. Some failures are evident and the sooner we address them, the higher the quality of protection will be for the sake of people, property and places the security industry protects.

“It is important to highlight that many security companies regularly go above and beyond the call of duty to maintain their integrity and the security services they provide, something that as an Association we promote within our recognised membership. However, we feel the time has come for security services to be purchased on a risk and professionalism basis and not purely on cost, and the industry to be seen for what it is, a profession and not a minimum wage job.

“The BSIA works with its industry, police and government partners to drive the security sector forward to the benefit of those who rely on these services and are committed to delivering the highest of standards required for all aspects of security. This ranges from mandatory training for security officers and the appropriate use of technology such as the legal and ethical use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Automatic Facial Recognition (AFR).

“The BSIA and its members will continue to support new legislation and the promotion of public safety with the goal of minimising and mitigating the threat of crime and terrorism in the United Kingdom.”

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