'High risk' Companies Sign Compliance Declaration

11 September 2007: Last week, investigators from the Security Industry Authority (SIA) visited a number of Scottish security directors and managers to forewarn them that they could face severe penalties if they deploy unlicensed staff after the 1 November licensing date.

The 20 security companies are considered by the SIA to be at 'high risk' of not being in a position to be able to supply sufficient licensed security staff after 1 November.

Senior employees of the companies were asked to read and sign a compliance notice acknowledging that they understood the terms of the Private Security Industry Act 2001 (PSIA 2001), their obligations under the Act, and the consequences of not complying with the law.

Jennifer Pattinson, SIA Head of Investigation for Scotland said:

"The security directors we visited cannot claim ignorance over their legal obligations under the PSIA 2001. Security companies have been aware that SIA licensing is coming to Scotland for some time but I am concerned that, with just over seven weeks before the offence date, there are still companies who are not adequately prepared."

Notes to Editors:

• The licensable sectors are: Door Supervisor (in-house & contract), Security Guard (contractors), Cash & Valuables in Transit (contractors), Public Space Surveillance CCTV (contractors), Close Protection (contractors), Key Holders (contractors).
• The penalties for offences under the Private Security Industry Act 2001 are potentially severe - up to £5,000 fine and / or six months imprisonment. A charge of supplying unlicensed operatives can be tried at the Crown Court where there is no limit to the amount of a fine and a sentence of imprisonment of up to five years can be given.
• 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.