SIA warns Northern Ireland security directors

Security Industry Authority investigators visited high-risk companies in Northern Ireland last week to warn them that they could face severe penalties if they deploy unlicensed security staff after the licensing enforcement date.

Security managers and directors were asked to read and sign a compliance notice during the visits on Thursday [29 Oct]. This was to acknowledge that they understood the terms of the Private Security Industry Act 2001 and the consequences of non-compliance with the law, so that they cannot later claim ignorance over their legal obligations.

11 compliance notices were signed and forms were left with the other companies to be followed up by the SIA.

With a month to go until licensing is introduced in Northern Ireland, the SIA visited specific security companies that are considered to be at high-risk of not being able to supply sufficient licensed security staff after the forthcoming licensing enforcement date of 1 December.

Companies were identified by looking at the number of licensable employees against the number of applications submitted or at validation stage, or where there has been a lack of engagement with the SIA.

Investigators also visited security buyers to ensure they were aware of their contractors’ obligations with regard to deploying SIA licensed operatives by 1 December.

Jacquie Parker, SIA Head of Investigation, said:

“Extending SIA licensing into Northern Ireland will help raise standards within the industry and protect the public, and it is vital that security companies are prepared and operating within the law by 1 December. These visits were to warn companies we believe to be at high risk of not meeting their obligations that they must ensure compliance with the law, as we will take action where we find companies deploying unlicensed staff after the enforcement date.”