Operation Falcon targeted 89 sites in Birmingham city centre, The Fort, Fort Dunlop, Star City and the National Exhibition Centre. Premises investigated included the Magistrates’ Court, universities, museums, art galleries, hospitals, rail stations, offices, shops, shopping centres, cinemas and a major casino.
36 security companies were encountered on the visits, offering a mixture of pure security services, vehicle immobilisation, CCTV management/monitoring and door supervision. 141 security operatives were checked, 130 of whom possessed SIA licences. The compliance level was 92%.
Alleged offences in contravention of the Private Security Industry Act 2001 included 11 Section 3 offences (working without a licence), four Section 9 offences (failing to display a licence) and one Section 16 offence (a false claim of Approved Contractor Scheme status). The alleged Section 3 offences were not related to SIA licence processing times. None of the alleged 11 offenders had actually submitted licence applications.
Speaking about Operation Falcon, the SIA’s director of operations Andy Drane told info4security: “Although our operations are usually intelligence-led, it’s important to test our assessment of compliance levels by carrying out this type of extensive, random check. All of the indicators – statistical analysis, intelligence and independent research – suggest that there’s over 90% compliance with the licensing requirements, and I’m pleased that Operation Falcon is the latest in our series of enforcement initiatives to confirm this.”
Drane continued: “We also gathered valuable intelligence to inform future operations. This kind of testing will be repeated whenever we think it’s needed. Our investigations will continue, and we’ll consider the most appropriate disposal for the alleged offences discovered during the operation.”
Links with police to investigate door staff
In a separate operation, SIA investigators teamed up with officers from Lincolnshire Police to carry out checks on door supervisors working at licensed premises in Grantham, Spalding and Stamford.
A total of 22 licensed premises were visited, with 44 door supervisors checked. 33 of them held valid SIA licences. Five individuals were reported for possible prosecution under Section 3 of the Private Security Industry Act 2001, while six door staff had to be warned for suspected Section 3 offences. Three individuals received official warnings for Section 9 offences.
The Regulator is keen to point out that it adopts “a fair and proportionate approach to enforcement action”, and will always take into full account the progress an individual has made towards obtaining or renewing a licence (for example if training is completed, or a licence application has already been submitted, etc). However, the SIA fully expects and demands that security companies and individuals comply with the law.
SIA licences can be checked through the Register of Licence Holders, which is available 24 hours per day on the Regulator’s web site (log on at www.the-sia.org.uk)