Security officers protect people and property in a wide variety of environments – factories and warehouses, offices, shopping centres, hospitals, airports, concert and sports venues. The growing responsibilities of these personnel, and their increasing public interface, intensified calls for government regulation of the sector which have been wholeheartedly supported by the BSIA. This culminated in the introduction of the Private Security Industry Act 2001, which in turn has led to licensing of security officers by the Security Industry Authority.
The BSIA promotes ‘best value’ over ‘low cost’, stressing the importance of satisfactory pay levels and suitable training, as well as the benefits of recruiting and retaining quality personnel. It promotes the work of the modern-day professional security officer, for example through its Security Personnel scheme a the British Security Awards, and also highlights the many career development opportunities that are now available.
Tony is Chairman of the BSIA’s Video Surveillance Systems Section and Vice Chairman of the BSIA.