1 November 2007: From today, it will be compulsory for individuals working in certain sectors of the private security industry in Scotland to hold a Security Industry Authority (SIA) licence. With Scotland joining England and Wales there is now one security regulatory body with a single set of security licences for the whole of Great Britain.

The SIA has worked closely with the Scottish Government, Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland, (ACPOS) and the security industry in Scotland to ensure that all those who required a licence were aware of the legislation and could be ready for 1 November.

To date, over 247,000 people are licensed to work in the regulated security industry throughout Great Britain and there are 398 companies recognised as SIA Approved Contractors.

Kenny MacAskill, Scottish Minister for Justice said:

"1 November heralds a new era for the private security industry in Scotland. Much work has been done over recent years to develop the private security industry and to ensure that it plays a full role in helping to protect the public.

Regulation will assist this process by driving out the bad guys and continue the development of an industry for the 21st century."

Michael Wilson, Chief Executive of the SIA said:

"I would like to pay tribute to our partners - the Scottish Government, the Police and the Councils in Scotland, and to the private security industry in Scotland - for helping us get to this point. It has been a real joint effort. We look forward to working with our partners, to enforce the new legislation effectively, to further drive out criminality from the sector, and to promote recognition of the private security industry as a valuable partner in protecting the public."

Speaking on behalf of ACPOS, Chief Superintendent Andrew Laing of Fife Constabulary said:

"We will support the Security Industry Authority in all of its efforts to ensure that the industry is free of criminal influence. The industry plays a major role in providing a safe and secure environment for communities - whether that be safeguarding property, stewarding licensed premises or managing crowds at football matches and other major events. It is vitally important that the services they provide are professional and trustworthy."

Notes for Editors:

• It is now an offence throughout Great Britain, in the following designated sectors: Door Supervisor (in-house & contact), Security Guard (contractors), Cash & Valuables in Transit (contractors), Public Space Surveillance CCTV (contractors), Close Protection (contractors), Key Holders (contractors), Vehicle immobilising (England and Wales only)
• To obtain a licence applicants must:
  • meet training standards set by the SIA and attain a national qualification
  • provide proof of identity and age
  • undergo a criminal record check
  • have the right to work in the UK
  • not have been sectioned under the Mental Health Act in the last five years.
• Approved contractors must conform to ACS Terms and Conditions across all operations in England, Wales and Scotland. In particular:
  • for each approved activity, the 85% licensed requirement applies to staff in England, Wales and Scotland combined
  • future verification or re-verification visits must include England, Wales and Scotland as applicable
• The final regulations to bring these measures into effect in Scotland were laid before the Scottish Parliament on 4 September 2007.
• In March 2003, the then 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.
• The penalties for offences under the Private Security Industry Act 2001 are potentially severe - for the most serious offences, fines are unlimited and can carry a sentence of imprisonment of up to five years.