Security Companies Visited by SIA Investigators

As the private security industry prepares for the introduction of compulsory Security Industry Authority (SIA) licences for the contracted security guarding sector, twenty-seven security companies - considered by the SIA to be 'high-risk' - were yesterday visited by SIA Investigators (19 January 2006).

'Operation Forewarn' is one of a number of initiatives in a wider SIA operation that will ensure senior employees of private security companies understand their legal obligations under the Private Security Industry Act 2001 (PSIA 2001).

After 20 March 2006, anyone operating as, or supplying, unlicensed contracted security operatives in the designated sectors without an SIA licence commits an offence.

All twenty-seven companies visited by the Investigators are thought to be at risk of not being in a position to be able to supply their customers with enough licensed security staff after the 20 March offence date. Senior employees of the companies were asked to read and sign a compliance notice acknowledging that they understood the terms of the PSIA 2001, their obligations under the Act, and the consequences of not complying with the law.