Watchdog set to tackle complaints over bouncers

PEOPLE with complaints about bouncers and other security personnel will be able to go directly to a private security watchdog under a new licensing system announced yesterday.

The licensing system, operated by the Private Security Authority (PSA), will make it an offence for any security company to operate if it does not have a licence. Those prosecuted face fines and a maximum jail sentence of 10 years.

Security companies include bouncers, private investigators, security guards, cash-in-transit firms, security consultants, suppliers of security equipment and locksmiths.

The system is being set up to clean up the private security industry which has been tarnished by criminal and paramilitary involvement.

“There will be complaints mechanism under which members of the public who are not satisfied or have grievances can make a complaint,” said Geraldine Larkin, chief executive of the PSA.

She said the PSA had statutory inspection powers to investigate security companies and that a team of inspectors would monitor the industry.

The PSA announced details of its licensing programmes at a conference in Dublin Castle yesterday.

The authority, which is being funded by the industry, will vet all employees up to and including directors to determine if they are fit to work in the industry.

The PSA will work in conjunction with other State agencies, including the Garda Síochána, the Revenue Commissioners, the Health and Safety Authority and the Labour Inspectorate.

The PSA said the first industries to be regulated are door supervisors and security guards, which will be licensed from October 3, 2005.

Companies will have to meet the standards for a licence by April 1, 2006, |after which it will be an offence to operate.

Publishing the licensing system yesterday, Justice Minister Michael McDowell said: “In the past I have said this industry must clean up its act. This licensing programme will ensure this happens.”