Noble scheme to license security staff

(17/05/2002)

'GUARDSAFE', A GROUND BREAKING scheme aimed at licensing security staff working in Greater Manchester's Trafford Borough, has been launched.

The new scheme is being run by the Trafford Park Security Initiative (TPSI) group consisting of Greater Manchester Police, Trafford Metropolitan Borough Council, Trafford Park Business Watch and Noble Security Services UK.

It will mean that the officers will be trained to an industry standard.

George Mensah, Noble Security

With its Guardsafe scheme, TPSI is encouraging manned security providers to obtain licenses for their staff now, rather than wait for the Security Industry Act to be implemented.

The initiative, which has secured a £456,000 Home Office grant, aims to license security operatives working for the 100-plus private security companies operating within Trafford Borough.

Three days training

Existing security staff will be given two days' SITO training appropriate to their job; security officers, for example, will receive training in mobile and static patrols and keyholding. Noble Security Services UK will provide the SITO training.

In addition, security operatives will receive a day's intelligence training taught by Greater Manchester Police.

Over the three days security staff will learn: powers of arrest and detention; searching; protection of persons, property and premises; patrolling; customer care; access control; handling emergencies and fire; and basic health and safety.

These requirements are part of BS 7499, the British Standard for the practice of manned security. TPSI will ensure that the personnel selected for the training will have met stringent vetting in accordance with the British Standard.

Criminal records checks

People applying for manned security jobs in Trafford Borough will undergo a Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) check. Checks are being co-ordinated among the partnership and the CRB.

Other considerations are the Freedom of Information Act 200, the Data Protection Act 1998 and the Human Rights Act 2000 to round off the required vetting and probity checks.

We have witnessed today an extraordinary initiative.

The local authority will process the licensing for this voluntary scheme through an application form. If the application is refused during its processing, an appeal could be lodged through the authority. Upon approval, the applicant, who will be required to pay a fee, will be forwarded details of their training course and dates. On completion of the course and receipt of a SITO certificate, the local authority will approve the applicant for Accredited Security Officer status and issue a badge and registration certificate.

The registrations will be reviewed by the borough council authority annually and can be revoked at any time if deemed necessary by the Licensing Authority. Businesses in Trafford Borough will be actively encouraged to only use security personnel accredited under the scheme, which will initially be voluntary for a 12-month period.

Greater Manchester Authority is looking to expand the Guardsafe scheme to all boroughs in Manchester.

Sharing intelligence

It is hoped the Trafford Park Security Initiative will also help to co-ordinate intelligence in the fight against crime in Trafford Borough, in particular within Trafford Park, Britain's biggest industrial estate, which has been targeted by criminal gangs. Police, with resources stretched, have struggled to combat the gangs.

George Mensah, partner at Cheshire-based Noble Security, said the partnership's move to license security operatives within the borough and work more closely with police and local authorities is ground breaking for the security industry.

He said: "It will mean that the officers will be trained to an industry standard, will co-ordinate crime-focused activities with the police and make Trafford Borough a safer place in which to live and trade."

Campbell Latchford, Trafford Park Security Initiative Project Manager, commented: "The growth potential of this project will have great implications outside of these boundaries and is encouraged by the Private Security Industry Act."

All of the businesses will be encouraged to use security personnel accredited by this scheme.

Superintendent David Ryder

Police support

Around 50 people attending the launch of Guardsafe in Greater Manchester heard Superintendent David Ryder of the Stretford sub-division of Greater Manchester Police voice his full support for the scheme.

He said: "All of the businesses in Trafford Park will be encouraged to use security personnel accredited by this scheme. It will hopefully offer them the reassurance that they will be trained to a certain level."

Councillor Barry Brotherton, executive member for community safety at Trafford Metropolitan Borough Council, said: "The council is pleased to be part of this innovative Guardsafe scheme, which will raise the quality both locally and within the private security industry itself."

The council's enthusiasm for Guardsafe is shared by many businesses within Trafford Borough. Paul Smedley, manager of Trafford Park Business Watch, said: "The partnership adds vitality to the Business Watch community."

Representatives from the BSIA, SITO and IPSA attended the launch.

Links
Trafford Park project tackles crime problem
Private Security Industry Bill - Special Report

Related topics:  Manned Security and Security Guard   Security industry 

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