Security licences framework ‘must be reformed’

The trade body has written to Home Secretary Yvette Cooper to ask for a meeting to discuss the re-evaluation of the licensing framework for the private security sector, which is now 20 years old, over worries that details of some members of staff at private security firms have not been adequately checked.

Findings from Freedom of Information requests has also led the NTIA to believe not only is public safety at risk because some of the unvetted employees work in the hospitality environment, there is also the suspicion fraud is rife too.

NTIA CEO Michael Kill said: “The current regulatory framework is over 20 years old and no longer ‘fit for purpose’.

Out of sight​

“Private security is the only regulated sector where businesses can operate out of sight of the regulator due to the current emphasis being on licensing individual operatives, not businesses.

“As greater reliance is placed on private security contributing to public safety, it is the businesses deploying the security operatives that pose the greater risk.

“The private security sector plays a vital role in safeguarding our communities. It is time we provide it with the necessary tools and oversight to operate with the utmost integrity and efficiency.

Exploiting the sector​

“Ensuring tax parity, reducing fraud and deterring organised crime groups from exploiting the sector must be prioritised to protect public spaces and enhance national security, in line with the core principles of Martyn’s Law​.”

The findings include from 1 January 2017 to 31 December 2023, the Security Industry Authority (SIA) granted licences to a significant number of individuals who had not been residents in the UK for five years prior to applying, and whose five-year histories could not be adequately checked. While figure for the past five years of 2019 to 2024 “remain concerning” (in brackets). The figures include:

Door supervisors:​ 111,790 (95,105)

Security guards:​ 4,426 (4,103)

CCTV operators:​ 5,534 (3,916)

Close protection officers:​ 1,213 (723)

Key holding:​ 165 (137)

Cash and valuables in transit:​ 103 (56)

Moreover, the data reveals that licences were granted where the regulator could not complete a criminal record check in the countries previously resided:

From 1 January 2017 to 31 December 2023 and from 2019 to 2024 in brackets:

Door supervisors:​ 2,929 (2,169)

Security guards:​ 92 (86)

CCTV operators:​ 97 (77)

Close protection officers:​ 14 (11)

Key holding:​ 5 (4)

Cash and valuables in transit:​ 0 (0)