Concerns cast cloud over Industry Bill
But the general “delight” has been curbed by the fact that the Bill is less comprehensive than the 1999 White Paper and that electronic security installers are NOT included in the proposals.
The BSIA, after years of lobbying, has welcomed the Bill as a major landmark tackling issues such as licensing for manned security officers, door supervisors and access to criminal record checks. SITO also welcomed it “as a foundation on which wider security standards and regulations must be developed”.
But Jane Fraser, Chairman of the BSIA Manned Security Section, said they had “concerns” that the Bill is less comprehensive than the White Paper and they would be making representation to Government.
Three main issues have been raised:
The absence of licensing for in-house security officers which could encourage a move away from contractors and have a negative impact on the quality of personnel working in-house.
Although Charles Clarke MP has since indicated that contract CCTV control room operators will be licensed, there is no clear definition of this in the Bill.
The only mandatory requirement in the Bill is for security personnel to carry a license, which will indicate that they do not have a criminal record that excludes them from working in the industry.
BSIA members suggested that they feel licensing should be more broad-ranging, covering wider vetting standards and minimum training standards.
Other issues that will be represented to Government include: the absence of licensing requirements for electronic security installers, the importance of probationary periods before a license is obtained, establishing clear rules on how to carry out retrospective licensing, the financial implications, and the importance of limiting unnecessary bureaucracy.
The BSIA will make it clear that licensed private security officers are not being lined up as replacement policemen.The association will be sending briefing notes containing its members’ comments to those responsible for the Bill’s passage through Parliament.
Concerns cast cloud over Industry Bill
But the general “delight” has been curbed by the fact that the Bill is less comprehensive than the 1999 White […]
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