SIA investigators continue enforcement action against non-compliant security companies

28 June 2006: Following the introduction of compulsory Security Industry Authority (SIA) licensing for contracted-in security operatives on 20 March, SIA investigators conducted a nationwide series of operations as part of ongoing enforcement action.

During April, May and June, SIA investigation teams were deployed at customer sites, venues and events to target non-compliant security companies.

The SIA Compliance and Investigation Team is intelligence-led, working to the National Intelligence Model. Based on information gathered on non-compliance, they identified:

• Individuals working without a licence
• Managers/directors/supervisors deploying individuals without a licence
• Breaches of licence conditions
• Approved contractors in breach of Licence Dispensation Notice conditions

As a result:

• 7 operations were conducted
• 130 warnings were issued to unlicensed operatives.
• Improvement Notices were issued to 10 companies for deploying unlicensed operatives. Those companies must now take immediate steps to comply with the law. Within this time, non-compliant companies are unable to achieve Approved Contractor accreditation.
• 3 companies previously issued with Improvement Notices satisfied the SIA that they are now compliant.
• Investigations are continuing and further action may be taken.

Dianne Tranmer, SIA Assistant Director of Investigation and Compliance said:

"We always take a fair and proportionate approach to enforcement action but we expect security companies and individuals to comply with the law. The SIA will continue to work collaboratively with the private security industry to raise standards, drive out criminality and ensure compliance of the regulation. This is the first series of operations but many more will follow over the coming months.

Since the launch of SIA licensing in March 2004, over 113,000 security licences have been granted and more than 241,000 SIA approved security qualifications are now held. That is a very impressive and positive move forward for the industry."