The August 2015 print issue of Professional Security features the talk by SIA chair Elizabeth France, which included the authority’s research on women in the security sector; and violence faced by front-line SIA-badged workers.
Research was conducted on behalf of the Security Industry Authority earlier this year and was in three parts: a review of literature on the subject; a qualitative study involving interviews and focus groups with 81 people working in, or with a direct interest in, violence; an online survey with 891 working in the private security industry.
Almost all security staff participating in the survey reported that they had been victims of violence in the workplace. Workplace violence occurred in and around venues and services in the night time economy and in public places and retail.
The regulator says that the issues that contribute to violence are complex and it cannot provide a solution by ourselves. Some stem from issues to do with society itself, a perceived lack of respect for authorities by some and a propensity to use violence on a frequent basis of a minority within society. However, the SIA says, it and others can make a difference, using its influence and powers to enable and to support the private security industry in reducing violence.
The SIA adds that it’s creating a new section on its website called ‘Protecting Society’ where it will publish the full survey results. Visit http://www.sia.homeoffice.gov.uk/.
