Celebrating SIA licence holder stories on International Security Officers’ Day
Michelle has been the Chief Executive of the SIA since October 2020. As we close our series of stories to mark 20 years of private security industry regulation, Michelle reflects on some real-life examples that demonstrate how the work of private security officers helps to protect the public, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Around this time 20 years ago, the Security Industry Authority was rolling out the launch of the licensing regime set out under the Private Security Industry Act, starting with door supervisors, region by region across England. Now, there are over 437,000 active individual SIA licence holders across the UK, holding more than 491,000 licences in total.
As Chief Executive of the SIA, it is my pleasure to close this series of stories marking 20 years of improving standards in security and supporting public safety. It is especially fitting to do so on International Security Officers’ Day – 24 July – a date chosen to remind all of us about the role of private security in protecting people and property, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
In sharing these real-life stories, we have heard from SIA licence holders who have supported a bereaved family in hospital, prevented a distressed young person at a concert causing themselves a severe injury, and helped a young woman in a nightclub after a suspected spiking incident.
Operatives have shared some of the challenges they face, and the training that helps them to be prepared in different circumstances. For example, counter-terror exercises in a CCTV control centre, using new technologies to respond to crimes affecting the retail industry, and using first aid skills to help members of the public who have been injured.
These are examples of the real people that you may meet when you are going about your daily life, and enjoying the things you love to do – such as the security guard at your office, local hospital, or local supermarket, or the door supervisor at your favourite pub, nightclub, or music or sporting event. There are also people that you may never see, but who are there in the background, to protect you – such as the armoured guard carrying the cash you put in your bank savings, or the CCTV operator at your local shopping centre.
We are encouraged by recent research commissioned by the SIA, which reveals that the majority of the public do recognise the important role that security operatives do. Most people agree that they trust security operatives, are confident that operatives do the right thing and carry out their duties competently.
On 24/7, members of the public are encouraged to acknowledge and say thanks to the security operatives they see on the day. But showing our appreciation should not be limited to just one day a year.
Throughout the year, private security operatives are the invisible blanket we rely on being there to deter, and prevent, harm and disorder. They are who we rely on in times of trouble or incident. We all owe them our thanks and support.
If you are a private security operative – thank you, for doing your job 24/7, 365 days a year, to keep everyone safe and our premises protected.
If you are a member of the public – please show your appreciation to the security operatives you meet, today, and every day. Saying hello or thanks, with a smile, goes a long way.