Having expertly addressed an impressive audience at The Security Institute’s Annual Conference in central London late last month, Lynne Featherstone MP – the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Equalities and Criminal Information – continued her welcome engagement with the security sector’s major players by giving the Keynote Speech at the 2011 BSIA Annual Luncheon.
Held at the London Hilton Hotel on Park Lane, the Trade Association’s yearly get-together – underpinned as always by the Security Personnel Awards – afforded the perfect platform for the minister to touch on many issues core to the sector today (among them the future of regulation, surveillance, Cash-and-Valuables-in-Transit, the 2012 Olympic Games, public-private sector partnerships and the coalition Government’s overriding desire for a continually “effective and credible” private security industry).
This was a Keynote Address that harboured depth of thought, added value to several current debates and forged still further a continually strengthening link between the Government and the governed of the security world.
Above all, though, Lynne Featherstone’s words show just how much she believes in this vital business sector of ours and its very raison d’etre.
Of equal importance was the fact the minister was in attendance. In times gone by, politicians have been conspicuous by their absence at many of this industry’s pivotal gatherings. Thankfully, and to her great credit, Featherstone is forcefully bucking that trend.
Here’s the full text of the minister’s Keynote Speech…
Deserving examples of excellence
“Thank you for inviting me to this prestigious awards ceremony, and for allowing me to be part of such a special occasion. It’s a genuine pleasure to be selected to present awards to such deserving examples of excellence in the private security industry. Congratulations to you all.
“It’s also an inspiration to hear of the diverse range of reasons for which the awards are being presented, including the streamlining of work processes, increases in productivity and general excellence in the field.
“Further awards for protecting and securing members of the public and saving lives are testament to the invaluable and courageous work carried out by all those individuals and groups affiliated with the British Security Industry Association.
“Thanks to the work carried out by the Security Industry Authority and the industry through the Security Alliance, the phased transition of the Regulator towards a new regulatory regime is progressing well.
“It’s encouraging to know that the industry is in such competent and capable hands. When I spoke at The Security Institute’s Annual Conference last month, I mentioned how encouraged the Government is by the increasing maturity and professionalism of the security industry. Indeed, the coalition committed to ensuring that it can work in partnership with the industry to build on the credibility that has been established over the last six years.
“Work is continuing on the details of the new regulatory regime, but certain key features have already been agreed
“Regulation will be a primary focus through the licensing of businesses that will, in turn, have to adhere to stringent conditions set by the new Regulator. Licensed businesses will be responsible for the registration and management of the individuals who work for them.
“In addition, the new Regulator will be able to impose sanctions up to and including the removal of the right to trade from businesses that are non-compliant.
“The Government is grateful for the joined-up and positive approach taken by the industry in working closely with the SIA to develop these proposals through the Security Alliance, and recognises the key role played in this approach by the BSIA and its chief executive, James Kelly.”
Critical role played by security operatives
“As I’m sure you know, the BSIA and its members provide over 70% of the UK’s security products and services while consistently adhering to strict quality standards. Within this area, the Security Industry Authority has more than 300,000 people licensed as private sector security officers and/or door supervisors, meeting millions of people each day and often being the main interface the public has with authority.
“They play a critical role, being employed throughout the private sector to provide frontline security in public spaces such as shopping malls, at major public events – including the forthcoming 2012 Olympic Games – and in workplaces such as hospitals and finance headquarters. They also provide security at national infrastructure sites.
“For millions of British citizens these security staff, who themselves work alongside the UK’s various law enforcement agencies – are the reassuring face of British security. The extensive reach of the BSIA places it in a unique position to assist the Government and the police service in ensuring the protection and safeguarding of the general public.
“The Government helps the private sector and its security guarding force through Project Argus and NaCTSO (the UK Government’s National Counter-Terrorism Security Office). Under this initiative, NaCTSO provides support and advice to the security industry across a wide range of counter-terrorism issues.
“There is also the use of terrorist scenarios to help businesses, hospitals and the private sector owners of public spaces learn how to handle and recover from a terrorist incident. This type of specialist support enables the design and delivery of tailored training for the many frontline members of staff involved in providing guard force services. It’s also an important example of Government-industry co-operation in the security field.
“David Evans, who is responsible for focusing the work of the BSIA in relation to the 2012 Olympic Games, has also made a valuable contribution to the Home Office’s Office for Security and Counter-Terrorism Olympic Industry Advisory Group.”
CCTV and its role in public protection
“CCTV and other surveillance camera systems also have a role to play in public protection, and they are a great example of how technology can be harnessed to fight crime more efficiently and effectively.
“I know the police service and other criminal justice agencies place a great value upon the potential of CCTV to prevent, detect and investigate crime and anti-social behaviour, and there are survey findings which indicate a high level of public support for the use of CCTV.
“As many of you will know better than me, the technology that is available for surveillance systems evolves rapidly. Yesterday’s analogue systems are being superseded by today’s megapixel High Definition digital systems. CCTV systems can operate with wireless technology, making their deployment more flexible and removing the need to install expensive cabling to connect the camera with the Control Room. In addition, video analytics-based systems such as facial recognition are being developed … and that’s just what’s on the shelf today!
“The Government welcomes every opportunity to harness technology for the benefit of the public’s protection, but as Project Champion in Birmingham recently showed, public support and confidence in the deployment of CCTV can easily be eroded where they see what they believe to be opaque purposes and disproportionate action.
“Restoring the rights of individuals in the face of what some perceive to be a Surveillance State is an ambition of the coalition Government. Many of you will be aware of our proposals to achieve this through the introduction of a Code of Practice for surveillance camera systems. I know the BSIA has made written submissions both to the Protection of Freedoms Bill Committee and in response to the recent public consultation over the Code of Practice, and we will take the Trade Association’s comments on board.
“Thank you for your commitment to working with us to develop a proper regulatory framework. CCTV is but one example of where maintaining public confidence and support can best be achieved through partnership and collaboration between Government and industry.”
Cash-and-Valuables-in-Transit: encouraging statistics
“We have also seen significant advances in tackling Cash-and-Valuables-in-Transit robbery in recent years. The reduction in offence numbers is considerable. Last year there were 751 offences. This is the first time in five years the number of offences has been less than 1,000. Even more impressive, last month we saw only 29 CVIT offences – the lowest number ever recorded by the industry.
“These reductions are a testament to the hard work put in by many and the continued dedication, resilience and professionalism of cash and valuables couriers and their employers. We hear examples of acts of bravery carried out by security officers and couriers when they are subjected to attack. Standards are high across the industry, and I hope they can be raised further to reduce the opportunities for offenders to commit attacks.
“The reduction in offence numbers also embodies the very essence of partnership working, with police and cash couriers working closer than ever before on this agenda to develop and deliver even more effective approaches to prevention, response and detection.
“The BSIA is a key organisation in the work being undertaken to tackle Cash-and-Valuables-in-Transit robbery. The Home Office will continue to work with you, and with partners from across the industry, to ensure that appropriate action is taken to continue to reduce these offence numbers.
“The Government will continue to support the development of an effective and credible private security industry which benefits all of those who buy and rely on its services. With the already impressive framework in place, the new regime will support and encourage further development aimed at forging an industry with opportunities in which good businesses can prosper.
“The joined-up industry voice of today reflects a maturing industry, and we look forward to continuing to work with the Security Alliance as the new regulatory regime takes shape.”
Lynne Featherstone MP is Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Equalities and Criminal Information, and holds direct responsibility for the Security Industry Authority
