Law gets tough on security industry
The ISIA, representing around 60 of the best known security firms, has predicted that new legislation which will prohibit business owners from hiring unlicensed security firms from next year will force many rogue operators to cease their activities.
ISIA executive director Barry Brady said the new system of regulation, to be overseen by the Private
Security Authority (PSA), was a much-needed development for the industry.
“It will drive out ‘cowboy’ operators. Many of these have been operating without any standards for years which has dragged the name of the whole industry down. Many of them don’t pay tax, operate without a formal office and take business from legitimate security firms,” said Mr Brady.
From April 1, 2006, it will be an offence to provide a private security service without a licence. It will also be an offence to hire a company or individuals to act as private security guards or bouncers.
Under the Private
Security Services Act 2004, offenders will be liable for a fine of €3,000 and/or a 12-month jail sentence for a summary conviction and up to five years in prison and a fine for a conviction upon indictment.
The PSA, which is based in Tipperary town, is currently issuing licences to private security firms. All applicants will also be subject to vetting by gardaí.
However, the PSA had not issued a prescribed list of criminal offences which would exclude a company or individual from being granted a licence.
The PSA, which will act as the industry regulator, claims the number of people seeking licences is still “relatively slow” despite the added incentive of being given a 12.5% discounted fee for companies which apply before December 31.
It is understood only around 40 out of an estimated 400 security firms have so far applied for a licence.
The two-year licence will cost from €2,250 to €20,000, dependent on annual turnover.
All applicants must have a tax clearance certificate as well as being compliant with standards established by the National Standards Authority of Ireland.
“These standards will take a lot of in-house work to be done before they can achieve that standard and get a licence,” said the PSA spokesperson.
From April 1, 2007, it will also be an offence for such people to work as a security provider without having official recognition from the PSA.
The authority will also operate a licensing system for suppliers and installers of security equipment, private investigators, security consultants, cash-in-transit providers, locksmiths and suppliers and installers of safes.
