15 March 2007: Compulsory licensing and regulation of the private security industry in Scotland will come into force on 1 November 2007. From that day it will be illegal to operate in Scotland in a designated security role without an Security Industry Authority (SIA) licence.

The SIA will be responsible for licensing the private security industry across the whole of Great Britain, creating one security regulator and one set of security licences.

Jennifer Pattinson, SIA Head of Investigation for Scotland said:

"The new SIA licensing requirements for Scotland will raise standards and help prevent unsuitable or poorly trained people from working in the private security industry. From 1 November it will be a criminal offence to carry out a licensable security activity without an SIA licence or for supervisors, managers or directors of security companies to deploy unlicensed operatives.

The safety of the Scottish public is our principal goal. SIA licensing will ensure those working in positions of trust in the private security industry are trained, qualified and are fit and proper people for their role. An SIA licence is a personal demonstration that an individual meets those requirements.

Our priority has been to communicate with everyone affected by the introduction of the legislation in Scotland and we aim to ensure that companies and individuals do not underestimate the time and resources it takes to get a licence. I urge those working in the private security industry in Scotland to start their licensing process now. When 1 November arrives - be licensed, be legal."

Notes to Editors:

Orders will be laid in the Scottish Parliament later this year to designate the activities which will become licensable from 1 November 2007. The licensable sectors are: Door Supervisor (in-house & contact), Security Guard (contractors), Cash & Valuables in Transit (contractors), Public Space Surveillance CCTV (contractors), Close Protection (contractors), Key Holders (contractors).

For those working in a licensable security role without an SIA licence or supplying unlicensed security staff, the current penalties are:

• Summary conviction at a Magistrates' Court - the maximum penalty is six months imprisonment and / or a fine of up to £5,000, or
• On indictment at the Crown Court - an unlimited fine and/or five years imprisonment.

In 2001 responses to Scottish Ministers' Private Security Consultation Paper showed clear support for a single, British private security licensing regime to encourage legitimate business, drive out illegality and push up standards. They also wanted regulation that would protect and reassure the public and users of private security services in Scotland, without putting Scottish businesses at a disadvantage.

In March 2003, the Scottish Executive approved proposals to regulate the Scottish private security industry and to invite the SIA to extend its remit to cover Scotland. The Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005, among its many provisions, extends the remit of the SIA to Scotland.