Early launch announced for SIA

The Security Industry authority (SIA) has unveiled plans to launch the Approved Contractor Scheme (ACS) in Scotland some two months early, bringing forward the implementation date from 1 June to 6 April. The move follows specific requests made by private sector security companies who are operational north of the border,

“This is good news for contractors in Scotland,” commented Andy Drane (pictured), the Regulator’s deputy chief executive. “There is still much to be done by all concerned to bring private security sector regulation into effect, but the early launch of the ACS in Scotland demonstrates our own confidence in the progress already made to date. It also means that the very best security companies north of the border can evidence to their customers a genuine commitment towards licensing and regulation.”

To apply for ACS status in April-June, the security companies involved will need to have at least 40% of their licensable staff already SIA licensed (or make sure that those licence applications are pending). This percentage requirement will increase on a progressive basis post-June 2007. Companies licensing their staff in the initial stages will be in the perfect position to attain Approved Contractor Scheme status at an early date.

It was back in March 2003 that the Scottish Executive approved proposals to regulate the Scottish private security industry, and to invite the SIA to extend its remit by covering Scotland in addition to England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

From February, the SIA will officially launch licensing and regulation in Scotland and, as of November, it will become an offence in law to operate within the designated sectors without an SIA ‘seal of approval’.

On 14th December, Francis Wilson company director of Working in Harmony pleaded guilty to offences under Section 5(1) of the Private Security Industry Act 2001 (deploying unlicensed security operatives). Wilson was fined £4,000 (£1,000 for each offence) and ordered to pay costs of £5,000.

In sentencing Wilson, District Judge Charles stated: “This is important legislation set up for a purpose and you [Wilson] abused it, quite blatantly. You could not care less if they [the door supervisors deployed by Wilson] were licensed or not. The warnings you received went right over your head. You assisted others to commit offences, and you did so for financial reasons.”

In October 2005, the SIA (with support from South Wales Police) carried out an operation targeting unlicensed security activity in the Merthyr Tydfil area of Wales. Following a year-long investigation, the Regulator launched its prosecution against Wilson, who was eventually issued with a summons.

“The Courts are recognising the importance of SIA licences in helping to ensure public safety,” said Sue Sheath, the SIA’s head of investigation.