ASC

PSIA changes announced

14/07/06

The Security Industry Authority (SIA) announces changes made by the Government to Schedule 2 of the Private Security Industry Act 2001. The changes, made under the Private Security Industry Act (Amendments to Schedule 2) Order 2006, take immediate effect.

Towing of abandoned vehicles:
? Those employed under contract by the police or Local Authority to remove and or dispose of abandoned vehicles on privately owned land are removed from the requirement to be licensed under the PSIA.
Guarding activities on licensed premises:
? The requirement for security guards to be licensed as door supervisors is limited to those specific times when alcohol is being supplied for consumption on, or regulated entertainment is taking place on, the premises. NB. This change may impact on the security provision of shopping centres and event venues.
CCTV operatives on licensed premises:
? This removes the requirement of those who undertake in-house CCTV activities on licensed premises (or in a control room relating to those premises) to be licensed as a door supervisor.
Vehicle immobilisation:
? Contactors used by the courts who clamp or immobilise a vehicle in pursuit of outstanding fines are removed from the requirement to be licensed under the PSIA.
? Those whose responsibility it is to remove a wheel clamp (having not originally attached it), unblock or return a vehicle, or charge for any of those activities fall within the requirement to be licensed under the Private Security Industry Act (PSIA) 2001.
Groups removed from Schedule 2 of the Private Security Industry Act 2001:
? Certified Prisoner Custody Officers (PCOs), and Auxiliary Officers (AOs), who work in prisons.
? Detainee Custody Officers (DCOs) who undertake custodial and escort functions in respect of immigration detainees.
? Custody Officers (COs) who work in Secure Training Centres.
? PCOs certified to perform duties for the Prisoner Escort and Custody Service (PECS) and those contracted to the police under section 39(2) of the Police Reform Act 2002.
? Police CSOs (Community Support Officers) providing a service under contract or supervising contractors.
? Constables, special constables, cadets and civilian employees of the British Transport Police Authority.
? Members of the Civil Nuclear Police constabulary and other employees of the Civil Nuclear Police Authority.
? Constables employed by a harbour authority (Ports Police).
? Authorised Search Officers (ASOs) operating for the UK Immigration Service.