Commentary on Sections Miscellaneous Section 48: Private Security Industry
111.This section sets out the pattern of transitional arrangements between the repeal of Schedule 13 of the Terrorism Act 2000, the introduction of Schedule 6 (interim arrangements) and the eventual regulation by the SIA as established by the 2001 Act. This section also modifies the 2001 Act and gives it UK-wide effect by making it extend to Northern Ireland as well as England, Wales and Scotland.
112.Following the repeal of Schedule 13 on 31 July 2007, Schedule 6 of this Act will have effect on 1 August 2007. Because the SIA cannot commence licensing in Northern Ireland immediately, Schedule 6 establishes a form of regulation for the transitional period. Once the SIA are ready to commence licensing in Northern Ireland, the relevant provisions of the 2001 Act will be brought into effect in Northern Ireland by statutory instrument in accordance with subsection (4). That order will repeal Schedule 6, thereby ending the interim scheme of regulation.
113.The 2001 Act sets up a scheme of statutory regulation of the private security industry. It establishes the SIA and defines its functions. These are:
	to licence individuals and to approve companies;
	to keep under general review the private security industry and the operation of the legislative framework;
	to monitor the activities and effectiveness of those working in the industry;
	to conduct inspections;
	to set and approve standards of conduct, training and supervision within the industry; and
	to make recommendations to improve standards.
114.The 2001 Act regime also specifies a range of activities which are licensable by the SIA, and details offences of providing unlicensed security services. It defines the various licensing functions of the SIA such as licensing criteria, licence conditions and appeals in licensing matters.
115.The current designated sectors or activities that must be covered by a licence are as follows:
	Door supervisors – both in house and supplied under a contract for service;
	Vehicle immobilisers on private land – both in house and supplied under a contract for service;
	Security guards supplied under a contract for services;
	Key holders supplied under a contract for services;
	Close protection operatives supplied under a contract for services;
	Cash and valuables in transit operatives supplied under a contract for services; and
	Public space surveillance CCTV operatives supplied under a contract for services.
116.This Act enables all of these sectors and activities to be regulated in Northern Ireland by the SIA.
117.The SIA take various criteria into account when deciding whether to grant a licence or not. They ensure that applicants are properly trained in relevant areas, as well as checking for criminal convictions. The suitability of the applicant to work in the private security industry is assessed and they are granted or refused a licence according to the defined criteria.
118.A full explanation of the operation of the SIA and the 2001 Act is available in the Explanatory Notes prepared by the Home Office to be read in conjunction with the 2001 Act.