The new Police Reform Bill will help to modernise policing in the UK, and the private security industry can help in crime prevention, says the British Security Industry Association.
BSIA Chief Executive, David Fletcher, who is involved in the Reassurance Advisory Group looking at reform of the police, says: ?When the White Paper was published in December, we welcomed it as a blueprint for the modernisation of policing. In the BSIA?s formal response to the White Paper, we made a series of points to Government about the implementation of these reforms. Most importantly there should be a national framework of standards and accountability, so that partnerships between the police and other crime prevention agencies are built on solid foundations. We would see the Security Industry Authority, established under the Private Security Industry Act, as playing a key role in monitoring adherence to these standards. Clearly the involvement of civilians, whether employed directly or indirectly by the police, needs careful consideration.
?However, we are already seeing positive results from schemes where civilians undertake roles that have traditionally been carried out by the police. Neighbourhood wardens and custodial services provided by private security companies are a prime example. The powers of civilians employed by the police and those employed by accredited companies will obviously be subject to much debate during the passage of the Bill. It appears that the main extension of powers will be for those individuals employed directly by the police, although limited powers of detention may be given to private security personnel who become accredited community safety officers.
?Specialised recruitment processes and thorough training must be provided for any civilian who is to be given enhanced powers. There should also be an in-depth debate over the extension of powers to ensure it is acceptable to the general public. Importantly, we see civilians providing ?support? services that help the Police focus on their core law enforcement activities ? and any extension of powers should be viewed solely within this remit. The private security industry has considerable experience of deploying non-police uniformed personnel in public places, or places with public access, and as such we feel we have much to offer in this new partnership. With regulation of the industry now on the statute book, and due to begin next year, we are ready to take on a more prominent role in crime prevention, working with the police to the benefit of all.? See www.bsia.co.uk.
