Bill ‘can clean up security industry’

NEW legislation could be the end for dangerous and unvetted security guards, a senior industry figure claimed yesterday.

The Irish Security Industry Association (ISIA) said the Private Security Bill could rid the country of security personnel who were a risk to clients and lead to higher standards.

Les McLindon, the newly appointed president of the ISIA, which represents security guards, store detectives and alarm system operators, said the new legislation was vitally important.

"The security industry employs 12,000 and has a turnover of over €350 million annually and yet it has been totally unregulated," Mr McLindon said.

"With the enactment of the Private Security Bill, security companies will require a licence to operate and this should improve standards within the industry. This legislation presents an opportunity to rid the industry of elements who are unvetted, untrained and a risk to their clients."

Mr McLindon said the ISIA had advocated comprehensive and effective legislation for several years.

"The security industry now employs more people than either the army or the gardaí and for years we had no regulation," he said.

"The industry has a massive range in standards from top to bottom and this is totally unacceptable."

Mr McLindon said the ISIA used internationally recognised standards organisation SGS Yarsley to certify its members.

He also said the ISIA was hopeful the Private Security Authority, outlined in the bill, could help develop official systems, which would make it more difficult for "cowboys" to operate within the industry.