Anyone employed to provide security within the UK has to hold a valid Security Industry Authority (SIA) Licence. There are specific licences for different areas of security. It is against the law to employ anyone without a licence or with the incorrect licence. The main security license requirement for supporting the media industry are as follows:

 

To guard equipment (satellite trucks etc) only, the security guard requires either a Security Guarding, Door Supervisors or Close Protection Licence.

 

To protect people (TV Crews) at static or mobile locations ‘back watch’ the person providing security requires a Front Line Close Protection Licence. It is illegal to employ people holding either security guarding or door supervisors licences for this role.