Investigators Visit Close Protection Company Directors

10 March 2006: Today, as part of Operation Pre-Alert, Security Industry Authority (SIA) Investigators carried out a nationwide series of visits to directors and managers of 13 close protection companies. The directors of the companies are all considered by the SIA to be at risk of not being in a position to supply their customers with enough licensed Close Protection Operatives (CPOs) when compulsory licensing is introduced on 20 March 2006.

During the visits the directors were asked to read and sign a compliance notice acknowledging that they understood the terms of the Private Security Industry Act 2001, their obligations under the Act, and the consequences for them and their staff for non-compliance with the law.

Sue Sheath, a Head of Investigation for the SIA said:

"Despite widespread awareness of the new licensing requirement, the close protection sector has been particularly slow to respond to licensing. We needed to send a message to the sector that non-compliance with the law is not an option.

Many customers of close protection services, including some celebrities and high-profile clients, have not received the assurance they need that their suppliers have been professionally trained and are fit and proper people to perform their role. Any CPOs working without a licence after 20 March could face prosecution and that may prevent them being able to obtain a licence for some time.

It is the responsibility of close protection suppliers to ensure their operatives are SIA licensed."