1. The Private Security Industry
Unit 1
The Private Security Industry

2. “a state or feeling of being safe and secure”
Security
“a state or feeling of being safe and secure”
The Private Security Industry
“provides manned and technical protection to premises, people and their property”

3. Security is provided in three ways1
Manned Security 2
Physical Security 3
Systems

4. 1
Manned Security
Where one or more security operatives work on a site providing both a deterrent against crime and an immediate response to incidents as they occur

5. 2
Physical Security
Physical deterrents such as locks, alarms, barriers and grills help to reduce crime

6. 3
Systems
Electronic and other technical systems to monitor premises for crime and other dangers, such as intruder alarms, fire detection systems and closed circuit television (CCTV) systems

7. Security Operative Door supervisors Security officers
Any person paid or used to provide any form of manned security to a client or premises
Door supervisors
Security officers
Cash and valuables in transit operatives
CCTV operators
Close protection operatives
Vehicle immobilisers

8. Door Supervisors
A Door Supervisor carries out security duties in or at licensed premises, like pubs and nightclubs, preventing crime and disorder and keeping staff and customers safe

9. Security Officers (guarding)
A Security Officer guards premises against unauthorised access or occupation, or against outbreaks of disorder or against damage
They also guard property against being stolen, against damage or against otherwise being dishonestly taken or obtained
They may also guard one or more individuals against assault or against injuries that might be suffered in consequence of the unlawful conduct of others
This includes providing a physical presence, or carrying out a form of patrol or surveillance to deter crime

10. Security Officers (key holding)
Key holding is where a security officer keeps custody of, or controls access to, any key or similar device for operating (whether mechanically, electronically or otherwise) any lock

11. Cash and valuables in transit operatives
Cash and valuables in transit operations refer to guarding property against destruction or theft whilst using secure transportation of the property in specially manufactured vehicles

12. CCTV operators
CCTV operators carry out guarding activities using closed circuit television equipment, to either monitor the activities of members of the public in a public or private place, or to identify a particular person. This includes the use of CCTV to record images to be viewed on non-CCTV equipment

13. Close protection operatives
Close Protection is guarding one or more individuals against assaults or injuries that might be suffered in consequence of the unlawful conduct of others

14. Vehicle immobilisers
Vehicle immobilisers are security operatives who either move vehicles, restrict the movement of vehicles using a device, or release vehicles after demanding or collecting a charge

15. The qualities of a security operative
It is very important that security operatives appear professional at all times
Clients and members of the public expect security staff to act in a certain way

16. What qualities should a security operative possess??
Professional
Tactful
Reliable
Self-disciplined
Honest
Dedicated
Cooperative
Fair
Alert
Loyal
Approachable
Courteous
Helpful
Effective communicators
Patient
Positive

17. Career opportunities within the private security industry
Over half a million people
Contributing over £6 billion per year to the UK economy
One of the few growing industries
Operatives are usually employed by security companies, who supply staff under contract
Some are in-house (working directly for the client)

18. Career path within a security company
Depending on the size of the security company, progression can include any of the following positions:
Other support roles within these companies include trainers, assessors, account managers and a variety of specialist roles
Security operative
Supervisor
Team leader
Area manager
Regional manager
Director
Owner

19. The key bodies
Security companies and individual security operatives work with a number of other ‘key bodies’ in their efforts to protect clients and prevent crime
These bodies fulfil different functions, but all play a role in the provision of general security

20. The Police
Security operatives now work closely with the police service and are considered to be part of the wider police family

21. Local Authorities
Security operatives sometimes work on or at premises owned, managed or licensed by the local authorities

22. Skills for Security A not-for-profit sector skills body
Created by employers to work with (and on behalf of) the security industry
Aims:
To improve standards of professionalism
To provide access to training and qualifications
Skills for Security

23. National Security Inspectorate (NSI)
The security industry’s leading approvals and certification body
Inspects companies providing home security, business security and fire safety services
British Standards Institution (BSI)
The national standard body for the UK
Develops private, national and international standards for companies in many sectors, including security

24. Various security trade associations
Including the British Security Industry Association (BSIA) and the International Professional Security Association (IPSA)
These two are for the wider private security industry, but there are others that represent specific sectors
The Security Industry Authority (SIA)
The government body set up to license the private security industry in the UK

25. The aims and functions of the Security Industry Authority (SIA)
Regulates the private security industry
Independent body
Reports to the Home Secretary
Private Security Industry Act

26. The SIA’s mission
To regulate the private security industry effectively
&
To reduce criminality, raise standards and recognise quality service

27. The SIA’s main duties
The compulsory licensing of individuals undertaking designated activities within the private security industry
To manage the voluntary Approved Contractors Scheme (ACS), which measures private security companies against independently assessed criteria

28. SIA licensing currently covers:
Door supervision
Security guarding
Cash & valuables in transit
Close protection
CCTV operations
Key holding
Vehicle immobilising

29. Licensing
“Ensures that private security operatives are fit and proper persons who are properly trained and qualified to do their job”

30. SIA licensing You must have a licence to work
Criminal offence to work without one
Up to £5,000 fine or 6 months in prison
Criminal offence for an employer to use an unlicensed person

31. Getting YOUR licence Attend and pass training
Apply to the SIA for licence
Submit identity
Pay licence fee
Pass criminal record check

32. SIA’s Code of Behaviour
“To set, raise and maintain national standards of behaviour of security operatives”

33. SIA Approved Contractor Scheme (ACS)
Operational and performance standards for private security companies
Companies meeting these standards are awarded Approved Contractor status
Provides purchasers of private security services with independent poof of a company’s commitment to quality.