The guarding contractor Land Sheriffs have gained Railway Safety Accreditation Scheme (RSAS) certification from the British Transport Police (BTP). Briefly, RSAS is a scheme run by the force for those working in railway safety and security. The scheme, the rail equivalent of CSAS (community safety accreditation) enables those certified to address low-level crime and anti-social behaviour so BTP officers can concentrate on their frontline duties.
Land Sheriffs’ officers provide security services to help prevent crime, offer reassurance and support the vulnerable across the UK rail network (pictured, the company’s perimeter signage beside a west London railway line). With RSAS certification, these officers can now tackle issues and enforce railway byelaws with police-backed authority.
James Coyle, Managing Director of Land Sheriffs, says: “We’re very proud to have received our RSAS certification! As a long-standing security provider for the UK rail network, this not only reinforces the quality of our operations, but also underlines our continuing frontline contribution to a safer railway environment.”
With RSAS status, Land Sheriffs can also share security intelligence and boost the visible security presence on the rail network to help meet the needs of staff, officers and passengers. RSAS certification recognises standards of management, supervision and accountability an organisation meets – as well as its role in deterring and reducing crime, disorder and anti-social behaviour. Land Sheriffs had to undertake an audit, with Directors passing enhanced vetting checks carried out by BTP. The business can now upskill with RSAS training which includes enhanced vetting for other staff.
“By achieving RSAS status, we have been formally recognised for our capabilities and commitment to safety and security. For our clients, this reflects our continued professionalism, accountability and protection. For our officers, this allows them to operate with higher levels of training to keep rail network users safer. Our RSAS certification is further proof of our reliability and high standards. It’s another way we’re showing our commitment to continually improving – and that we’re actively helping to innovate, shape and strengthen the rail industry for the better,” adds James.
About Land Sheriffs
The guarding firm specialises in railway security, as hired by rail operators to protect assets, reduce disruption and support staff and passengers. With a 24-hour CCTV control centre, the firm delivers a range of services – from mobile patrols and manned guarding, to on-train security and trespass and welfare patrols. They’re a member of the ACS Pacesetters group of highest-scoring Security Industry Authority approved contractors. Visit: landsheriffs.co.uk/.
