The past five years have seen a period of significant change for the security-guarding sector. Security-guarding companies have gone from being self-regulating through organisations such as the BSIA, to being regulated formally as a result of the Private Security Industry Act 2001. The new legislation resulted in the formation of the Security Industry Authority (SIA) – the regulator for the sector. As a result of the Private Security Industry Act, contract security officers and the managers, supervisors and directors of security-guarding companies all require an SIA licence in order to work legally. This applies to the security-guarding sector in England, Wales, and Scotland and will be rolled out to Northern Ireland.

Communication skills

To obtain a SIA licence, officers will have undergone a four-day training course covering the role and responsibilities of security officers, communication skills and conflict management. Their competency is tested by examination verified by an independent awarding body. They will also have been subject to a criminal record check via the Criminal Record Bureau and have had their identities confirmed. These key factors have raised professionalism in the sector and ensure that buyers can be confident that they have sourced a quality supplier.

So what does this mean for resident associations? Well, it means that if they choose to use security patrols or wardens as a method of securing their estate, they can rest assured that those officers have been trained, vetted and licensed to do the job.

The role of the licensed security officer as warden working for a resident association fits within the work of what is known as the wider policing family. The private security industry is an essential part of the wider policing family as it undertakes work for the police or other public sector organisations that would previously have been a policing role. Wardens, whether they work for a resident association or for a local authority, certainly fit into this definition as they exist to patrol and secure an area, often tackling anti-social behaviour and liaising directly with the police when an incident occurs.

The government and police service have published a number of documents in recent years that have pointed towards the continued development of the wider policing family including a Home Office strategic plan on modernising the police force. These publications highlight the importance of freeing up police officers to concentrate on frontline duties, indicating a greater civilianisation of the police force and a need for an increasing number of Community Support Officers.

Resident groups that are already employing private security patrols or wardens are taking advantage of this emerging trend. The case study opposite shows how one estate has benefited considerably from its use of dedicated private security officers.

Solid boundary

The use of dedicated security-guarding services can bring real rewards. However, every security officer must also rely upon other security measures that are in place in order to protect a site effectively.

The physical security of buildings must be regarded as an essential precaution. A solid boundary with secure gates will impede access by trespassers wanting to enter the site unobserved. The BSIA advises that all external doors should be of solid construction, set in strong frames and securely fixed to the walls. Five-lever mortise locks should be used in conjunction with strong hinges and hinge bolts. Security rated doors with multi-point locking are even more effective. Accessible windows also demand protection, such as by security locks and grilles, which can be removable if aesthetics is an issue.

CCTV has proven extremely effective in deterring offences and protecting specific locations such as perimeters, lobbies of buildings and communal areas. CCTV images may be recorded, monitored in real time by security staff or linked to detectors for event-based surveillance. This latter facility – driven by advances in video-over-IP technology – is now subject to a clear set of standards (BS 8418) that governs the situation where cameras and detectors can be placed in and around buildings and at site perimeters and linked to a Remote Video Response Centre (RVRC) tens or even hundreds of miles away. In the RVRC, trained operators provide 24/7 event-driven monitoring of the area in real time, observing and recording what is happening if a fence or building alarm is activated. Depending on the circumstance, the operators can issue verbal warnings to intruders via on-site speakers or alert the on-site security officers, emergency services and keyholders.

Security lighting also should be used in the grounds of the site, ensuring that any potential intruders can be seen and giving added reassurance to residents living in blocks of flats as they walk through the open areas®Å½

Case study – Berry Brow

One BSIA member supplies a team of security officers to Kirklees Council’s Berry Brow flats in Huddersfield. The team has worked closely with local residents to reduce levels of crime and anti-social behaviour in the area.
The team keep a watchful eye on both the security of the residents and the property itself. For example, they will report to the relevant authorities any incidents of anti-social behaviour, if any flats are left unsecured, any instances where tenants have not been seen for some time, or when known criminals visit the site. They regularly go beyond the call of duty, making a special effort to assist vulnerable residents.

The presence of the security officers has resulted in a real turnaround for the estate. Previously it had been plagued by crime and anti-social behaviour. However, the officers have made a real difference through firm but fair enforcement of tenancy agreements, being prepared to confront anti-social behaviour, by gathering evidence using CCTV, and by being willing to act as a witness in criminal cases.

Professional advice

Whatever the security requirements of your block of flats, much can be gained from taking advantage of the advice available from professional security companies and from the local police. Your local crime prevention officer can provide advice on all aspects of security and a list of BSIA member companies that can provide professional advice is available from www.bsia.co.uk/companyfinder

The British Security Industry Association is the trade association covering all aspects of the professional security industry in the UK. Its 570 members provide more than 70 per cent of UK security products and services and adhere to strict quality standards.

For more information please log onto:
www.bsia.co.uk, or email info@bsia.co.uk, or telephone 0845 389 3889.