Laws to boost security guard standards

New legislation enacted by the Government could mean the end for unvetted and untrained security guards, it was claimed today.

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

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

“The security industry employs 12,000 people and has a turnover of over €350m annually – and yet it has been totally unregulated,” he 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 and the industry.”

Mr McLindon said the ISIA had advocated the need for 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 had introduced an internationally recognised standards organisation, SGS Yarsley, to certify standards for member companies.

He also said the ISIA was hopeful the Private Security Authority, established from the Act, could facilitate the development of official systems, which would make it more difficult for 'cowboys' to operate within the industry.