02/04/2003

Regulatory body for security guards and bouncers launched

In a shake up of the private security industry announced today bouncers and wheel clampers will have to be licensed and regulated by the new Security Industry Authority (SIA).

The measures are designed to protect the public from rogue operators and create higher standards of recruitment and training for private security operatives and managers.

Bouncers, wheel clampers and security guards will need to pass a criminal background check, display effective communication skills in the English language and reach set levels of training and professional standards. It will be a criminal offence to work in these sectors without an SIA licence.

The SIA is an independent body which was launched today at the Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre, Westminster, by Home Office Minister Lord Falconer.

These will be the first sectors to be licensed by the SIA but regulation will be phased in to cover security guards, private investigators, key holders and security consultants.

Molly Meacher, Chairman of the SIA, said: "During the past 20 years the private security industry has experienced unparalleled expansion and the significance of the industry continues to grow dramatically.

"The police increasingly recognise that the security industry is an indispensable partner in protecting the public by helping to tackle crime and anti- social behaviour. The SIA will be the catalyst to enable the industry to respond to these new opportunities as a professional and valued sector."

(GMcG)

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