The Private Security Industry Act 2001 regulated the provision of security personnel, which is called manned guarding. Manned guarding activity includes any of the following: guarding premises against unauthorised access or occupation, against outbreaks of disorder or against damage; guarding property against destruction or damage, against being stolen or against being otherwise dishonestly taken or obtained; guarding one or more individuals against assault or against injuries that might be suffered in consequence of the unlawful conduct of others. All includes providing a physical presence, or carrying out any form of patrol or surveillance, as to deter or otherwise discourage it from happening or to provide information, if it happens, about what has happened.
If the media employs a company to provide security personnel to provide a security service for property or people in England, Scotland and Wales then the security person provided MUST be in possession of a SIA License. The type of license depends on the type of security being provided. Manned guarding is divided into different areas:
– Close protection – Door supervision – Security guarding – Cash and valuables in transit – Public space surveillance CCTV
If the security guard is providing security for one or more individuals against assault or against injuries that might be suffered in consequence of the unlawful conduct of others. (e.g. a TV crew) then he/she MUST hold a Close Protection licence.
If the security guard is providing security for property then he/she must hold a Close Protection licence, a Door Supervisor licence or a Security Guarding licence.
(A Door Supervisors license is basically the same as a Security Guarding License but allows the guard to work at licensed premises open to the public, at times when alcohol is being supplied for consumption – this activity can also be done by someone holding a Close Protection license)
Public Space Surveillance (CCTV) licence is required if the security guard uses closed circuit television equipment to monitor members of the public and/or identify a particular person in a public or private place. This excludes the use of CCTV solely to identify a trespasser or protect property.
Cash and Valuables in Transit licence is required by security guards transporting property or cash in vehicles specially manufactured or adapted to conduct secure transportation as their primary function.
Anyone holding a SIA license has undergone training (4 days for Security Guard and
Doorman, 20 days for Close Protection), passed an exam and have undergone a Criminal
Records Check by the SIA. In addition anyone holding a Close Protection license also
holds a First Aid At Work or First Person-
The penalties for those working in a licensable security role or supplying unlicensed security staff, without an SIA license are currently up to six months imprisonment and/or a fine of up to £5,000, or for supplying unlicensed staff an unlimited fine and/or up to five years imprisonment.
