"Security Institute Responds to SIA Media Report"

The Security Institute has noted with concern an unconfirmed media report that Her Majesty's Government may abolish the Security Industry Authority.

The Security Industry Authority was established as a direct result of the Private Security Industry Act 2001 with a remit to eliminate criminality in the UK private security sector, and to help in
raising standards.

The private security industry broadly welcomed the introduction of regulation, notwithstanding some concerns regarding the actual drafting of the Act. Indeed, the Security Institute has continued to support the work of the Security Industry Authority since its inception, maintaining
close ties.

There can be no doubt that since the introduction of Regulation there has been a notable reduction in the extent of criminal involvement and influences in the private security sector.

This has enabled increased confidence and trust in the private security sector on the part of the police, and indeed, the British public in general.

Any steps taken which would damage such trust and confidence would in our view be a retrograde act, with the potential to threaten public safety and security in the United Kingdom at a time of continuing threats of terrorism.

The Security Institute will be waiting with significant concern to learn more about these potential developments. Our 1,000 members represent a cross-section of the UK security sector and they will want to know that the interests of public safety and security will be the key criteria in any decision-making undertaken by Her Majesty's Government