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Legal

Private Security Industry Act 2001

Establishes the SIA and licensing regime for the UK private security industry.

Key points

  • Created the Security Industry Authority (SIA).
  • Makes it a criminal offence to work in designated roles without a licence.
  • Covers: door supervision, security guarding, CCTV public space surveillance, close protection, cash & valuables in transit, key holding, vehicle immobilising.
  • Requires licensed contractors under the Approved Contractor Scheme (ACS).
  • Maximum penalty: 6 months prison and/or unlimited fine.

Your obligations

  • Carry licence visibly
  • Notify SIA of change of name/address within 14 days
  • Inform SIA of any convictions or cautions

GuardAssist provides operational decision support. It does not replace formal training, employer procedures, assignment instructions or professional judgement. In a life-threatening emergency, dial 999.