It’s no wonder that so many people opt to take advantage of SIA training to help them get the relevant licences. These courses can serve as the gateway into rewarding and potentially lucrative careers in the security industry.
Meanwhile, a recent court case highlighted the dangers associated with failing to secure the necessary licences. During a hearing at Norwich Crown Court, Scarlet Security Limited was issued a fine of £3,000 and ordered to pay costs of £31,347.98 after being found guilty of illegally supplying a security guard to work on a construction site.
After intelligence reports of improper activity were received in November 2011, the Security Industry Authority, with support from Norfolk and Cambridgeshire Police and the UK Border Agency, started investigating the firm.
The organisations discovered that an employee of the firm was working illegally without an SIA licence.
Head of the investigation Nathan Salmon said: “The prosecution of Scarlet Security is a reminder that some businesses continue to supply individuals to work in the private security industry unlicensed. The company was not undertaking adequate vetting of its staff as it claimed it had done.”
He added: “We were unable to engage with persons in control of the business at the time of the offence which has frustrated proceedings; however, this verdict is very positive.”
Luckily for individuals who wish to start careers in the security industry, it is now straightforward to access SIA courses that lead to official accreditation. As long as people follow the rules and make sure they have the relevant licences, they can avoid legal pitfalls.
