The recommendations follow a comprehensive review of counter-terrorism powers and legislation which sought to assess whether they were necessary, effective and proportionate. Specifically, it looked at: how long terror suspects can be detained before being charged the use of section 44 stop and search the use of Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act (RIPA) the banning of groups that espouse or incite hatred or violence the deportation of foreign terrorists; and the control order regime In some areas counter-terrorism and security powers were found to be neither proportionate ...

“The leak in September 2010 of an imminent government announcement that the Security Industry Authority (SIA) would be axed in the current round of planned expenditure cuts caused the security industry manned guarding interests to reel in shock,” says Patrick J Somerville QPM Chairman – Joint Security Industry Council and Vice President of IPSA in a press release on behalf of the Joint Security Industry Council.  “The demise of a number of quangoes and other non departmental public bodies was threatened and in many cases subsequently confirmed. Immediately, IPSA led the way with a ...

Police have secured a conviction for two people in relation to providing unlicensed door supervisors at a Penzance nightclub. On Thursday 13 January 2011, Christopher Nicholas, who runs a company called Maximum Security, pleaded guilty to providing unlicensed door staff to Matts Bar, on Market Jew Street, Penzance, during the summer of 2009. At West Cornwall Magistrates Court, in November 2010, Mr Nicholas’ partner and employee Samantha Elson Jones had already pleaded guilty to working as a door supervisor at the club while unlicensed. Mr Nicholas was given a twelve month conditional disc...

Cowboy security firms will be banned from any contracts in social housing construction across Scotland, Housing and Communities Minister Alex Neil revealed today. Contracts to guard building sites will only be awarded to firms which are members of the UK Security Industry Authority approved contractors' scheme. Police forces and law enforcement agencies across Scotland have teamed up to target unscrupulous security firms involved in the construction sector. The new rules extend to housing associations and other affordable housing grant recipients the same checks that already apply to Scottis...

As the UK air and railway terror threat level has been raised from substantial to severe, the British Security Industry Association (BSIA) urges public sector organisations to engage with the private security industry to further reduce the chances of attacks from occurring, highlighting the important role played by the industry in the fight against terrorism. Although the terrorist threat level upgrade has been described by officials only as a preventative measure, the new level means that terrorist attacks in the UK are considered highly likely. BSIA members of sections such as Police & ...

From midnight tonight identity cards can no longer be used to prove identity or to travel in Europe. The cards have been scrapped by the government under the Identity Documents Act. Within days the National Identity Register - which was designed to hold the details of card holders - will be destroyed. Laid to rest Immigration minister Damian Green said: 'Laying ID cards to rest demonstrates the government's commitment to scale back the power of the state and restore civil liberties. 'It is about the people having trust in the government to know when it is necessary and appropriate for ...

Following the publication of the results from the British Retail Consortium (BRC) Retail Crime Survey 2010, the British Security Industry Association (BSIA) urges retailers to up their game in the fight against retail crime by improving their in-store security and seeking advice from reputable security companies. The survey results, released earlier this week, show that the total value of goods stolen by customers has increased to £137million in 2010. This comes in spite of an 11% reduction in the overall number of offences that have taken place at the expense of retailers in the past year, ...

Damian Green tells parliament that government will not extend the order which allows a 28 day limit to hold terror suspects without charge. In the House of Commons today, Damian Green said that the maximum limit of pre-charge detention will revert to 14 days from 25 January. He added that the Home Secretary will, on Wednesday 26 January, announce to the the findings from the wider review of counter-terrorism and security powers. Exceptional circumstances He said: 'We are clear that 14 days should be the norm and that the law should reflect this. However, we will place draft, emerg...

An independent look at collection and publication of statistics will take place to improve public confidence, it was announced today. Theresa May also announced that the responsibility for the publication of crime statistics would move from the Home Office to an independent body. The review – led by Jil Matheson – will look for cost effective ways to improve the coverage and coherence of crime statistics. Crime statistics are made up of crimes recorded by the police and the British Crime Survey is based on interviews with the public about their experiences. Partial picture ...

David St John-Claire, Business Development Director of  business support and security services provider Resourse (UK) Limited has been appointed as the ASIS UK chapter representative to the ASIS International Young Professionals Task Force. Young Professionals Mission Statement: The ASIS Young Professionals Group holds as their mission the development and education of young careerists in the security industry. The group is established upon high standards for members, ethical conduct, quality offerings, and a progressive program for the development of young professionals. The goal is to cre...