Audit of security cash firms begins

AUDITS are being carried out on cash-in-transit security firms as part of a long-awaited overhaul of the industry.

The Private Security Authority (PSA) said the audits had begun and were expected to finish by the end of the year. Paul Scallan of the PSA said they hoped to be in a position to issue licences next year to those who pass the audits.

The PSA was set up by former justice minister Michael McDowell following a spate of cash-in-transit robberies and cases of lax security by security companies.

Mr Scallan said all the big security companies had lodged their applications for a licence. There were a number of small operators who were not known about and some of these had yet to submit their applications. The requirements of the licences covered a range of issues, including security of cash and the safety of staff.

“We can’t give out specific information on what’s being put in place for obvious security reasons,” said Mr Scallan. “But the new requirements will cover technical and procedural improvements to security of money, at the cash holding centres, during transport and delivery of money.”

This covered staff procedures in handling cash and the safety of cash and vehicles during transportation.

Mr Scallan said the cash companies have been given copies of the criteria for the audits and have been given plenty of notice.