National, International History and Evolution of Security

The National, International History and Evolution of Security

Introduction

The purpose of this document is to complete the Security and Guarding assignment on 
“The National and International History and Evolution of Security. 
Its title is “Regulations and Legal Codes ASG1”

The document is structured as follows:

A brief International history and the evolution of security.
The national Private Security in Ireland.
The key features regarding legislation and regulation within the Private Security Industry.
The rights and responsibilities regarding security guards, employees and their clients.
Finally a conclusion as to where the Security Industry is going and a list of references used to extract the information including in this document.

International history and evolution and security

The definition of Security is the state of being free from danger, worry or threat. 
Security has evolved over time to combat a known threat.
There are essentially seven issues associated with human security. These are economic, food, health, environmental, personal, community, and political security.

After the Second World War in 1945 the United Nations was formed with one mission regarding maintaining International Peace and Security. They do this through preventing conflict between parties, maintaining calm through peacekeeping by creating conditions to allow peace to flourish. The UN’s Security Council’s primary responsibility is for international peace and security.

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Private Security in Ireland

The Private Security Industry has become interwoven into the fabric of all aspects of modern society in Ireland. It has its origins dating back to the 1960’s when the first commercial security company, K Security was setup. This company’s concept was copied from the British, which has private security companies dating back to the 1930’s.
A lot of changes have taken place in the industry, principally through the use of technology, Security Officer Duties, legal and insurance requirements, health and safety input and crime issues in general.

In 2004 the Government of Ireland established the Private Security Authority as the national

regulatory and licensing body for the private security industry to specify standards, qualifications or requirements in the provision of security services licenses. All applicants for a licence are vetted by An Garda Síochána.

Background to legislation and regulation to the Private Security Services Act of 2004 

The Private Security Services legislation act was signed into effect in 2004 by the Minister for Justice and Equality and later amended in 2011. This act is used by the Private Security Authority to regulate and govern the security licensing for:

• Contractors licenses in door supervision for licensed premises
• The installation of intruder alarms
• Security guard monitoring centres including security guards both mobile and static

        Locksmiths and the installer of safes

        Protected forms of security transport

        Private investigator and security consultants

Regulation for the Private Security Authority

In Ireland the Private Security Authority (PSA) is an independent body under the Department of Justice and Equality with responsibility for the protecting of the public and clients by regulating the private security industry licenses. Its governance is determined by what is covered by the Private Security Services act 2004. In 2006 the PSA began licensing security contractors and security employees in 2007. The Authority promotes a high quality security licensing system for employees and employers within the security industry.
The PSA has a network of Inspectors located throughout the country who ensure that compliance with the licensing legislation is enforced.

Key features of legislation and regulation per IS999:2004 standard

The Standard adopted by the PSA for security services is the “Guarding Security Service” IS999:2004 which is certified by the National Standards Authority of Ireland.

Its board consists of the Garda Síochána, Government departments, industry representatives and the Security Institute of Ireland. This is the minimum standard required for Door Security companies and Event Security Providers to be certified to secure a license from the PSA. 
The six sections are:
Scope
Definitions
Company Organisation
Staffing
Training
Operations
The main national Irish standards for the security industry are:
EN50131 regarding installation of alarm systems
IS228 for monitoring centres
ISO 9001:2000 Quality Management System
IS998:2006 Cash in Transit Standard

Rights and Responsibilities

Security Guards 

Security guard or security officer is any person who is paid a fee, wage or salary and is responsible for the safe and proper working of any organisation, place or event. They ensure the safety and security of valuables, property and people. They are involved with guarding, detection or patrolling the premises against un-authorised entry and can be called upon in an emergency to raise alarms and work closely with the emergency services such as the Garda, Ambulance or the fire brigade.

Employees

An employee while at work

1. has to take reasonable care and safety to themselves and others
2. Make sure not to take any intoxicant where they may be a danger to themselves or others.
3. They must comply with the companies statutory rules and co-operate with their employer.
4. Must maintain proper conduct and not engage in dangerous behaviour.
5. Maintain skills and take part in any necessary training.
6. Must use any PPE equipment required in the operation of their duty.
7. Inform their employer if they are unable to attend for work due to illness

Clients
Employers have extensive duties and must ensure employees ‘safety, health and welfare at work as far as is reasonably practicable.

These are covered under the following headings:

         General duties

         Provide relevant information to employees

         Provide, training, instruction and supervision of employees

         Make provision for emergencies and serious and imminent dangers

         Provide any protective and preventive measures

         Identify Hazards and carry out Risk Assessment

         Produce a Safety Statement

         Co-operate with employees

         Provide for Health surveillance and Medical fitness for work procedures

         Provide a Safety Representative

         Consult with Employees

         Penalisation

Conclusion

The PSA’s fourth Strategic Plan looks ahead over the next three years to 2021. It reviews what had been accomplished and what still remained to be done. This Plan defines the goals and objectives the Authority will endeavour to deliver in key areas over the next three years. The work of the Authority has expanded over the course of the previous plan. The number of licensed contractors has risen from 730 across 7 sectors to 1,320 across 12 sectors. The focus of the Strategic Plan is to complete its licensing mandate, enhance the levels of professionalism in the industry, protect consumers, the public and build relationships with its licence holders and ensure that regulation benefits licence holders, their customers and the wider public. 

• References

  www.sii.ie and security skills manual