The British Security Industry Association has congratulated the BBC’s Panorama TV documentary on January 21’s investigation.
The BSIA notes that it exposed a criminal minority within the security industry, but the trade body has emphasised that professionalism does remain at the heart of the industry.
BSIA Chief Executive, David Dickinson, said afterwards: "The existence of a criminal minority within the security industry has been well known for some years and the need to eliminate this unwanted element is one of the reasons why the BSIA supported the industry’s regulation. As the leading trade association for the private security industry in the UK, we have operated strict membership criteria for the past 40 years including staff vetting, compliance with British Standards and examination of our members’ financial records. This means that only the highest quality companies are admitted into membership and our members demonstrate that professionalism truly is at the heart of our industry.
"As a further commitment to this professionalism, we will offer every assistance to the Security Industry Authority in their work to seek out criminal operators and enforce the legislation. Our members are determined to provide information to the authorities on such criminal elements wherever possible. We share concerns about any incidence of examination fraud and are keen to work with training bodies to ensure that this cannot take place."
BSIA Security Consultancies Section Chairman, Ian Johnson, says: "Last night’s programme also revealed that some criminals are hiding behind the title of security consultant despite the fact that they are actually undertaking a licensable activity. Professional security consultants offer independent advice on all aspects of security and as a sector we call on the authorities to do everything possible to root out criminal activity."
If you missed the evening half hour programme, you can visit the BBC website to download it on iplayer;
http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer
