Regulation of the Private Security
Industry
in Scotland: The Way Forward
Introduction
1.1
Regulating
the Private Security Industry in Scotland: A
Consultation Document was issued by the Scottish Executive
in September 2001. The 72 responses received provided clear
support for regulation to protect the public and to provide
a sound framework within which all those who work in the
sector can operate. This paper sets out how the Scottish
Executive now intends to take forward its commitment to
regulating the private security industry in Scotland.
Background
1.2 The private security industry in Scotland is a
significant and growing employer. It encompasses a wide
range of activities from guarding persons and property to
private investigators and security consultants. There has
also been a large increase in the numbers employed as door
supervisors to control entry to premises and deal with
problems of anti social behaviour. The public must be
satisfied that all the companies within it are reputable
and trustworthy.
1.3 The majority of firms in the sector are reputable.
Some sectors have introduced self- regulation and in the
case of door supervisors a number of Scottish local
licensing authorities have introduced arrangements to try
to achieve minimum standards. However, rapid growth and the
lack of any over-arching regulatory provisions, has
provided opportunities for some less scrupulous
organisations to exploit the potential for profit at the
expense of quality of service and public confidence.
1.4 The Executive is committed to introducing a common
regulatory system which covers every individual employed in
the industry. This should address the three key concerns
which have been raised.
- First a general concern that individuals should
be properly accredited so that businesses and the
public can be reassured about their status,
professionalism and personal integrity.
- Second, that some private security firm operate
as a cover for criminal activities such as drug
dealing, money laundering and other illegal
activities involving intimidation.
- Third, that some door supervisors use
unnecessary and excessive force in dealing with
members of the public and are inadequately trained
for the work they do.
1.5 There is clear support for the introduction of
regulation from the police, local government and the
general public as well as from responsible business within
the sector. In taking forward such regulation, given the
links between the industry north and south of the Border,
there is also a need to take full account of the
establishment by Westminster of the Security Industry
Authority (SIA) to regulate the industry in England and
Wales.