This week, inspectors from the Private Security Authority (PSA ), visited a number of retail premises and carried out inspections of security guard (static ) services in Galway city. The purpose of the inspections was to ensure that all security guards on duty were licensed by the PSA and wearing a clearly visible identity badge as legally required.
The inspectors found excellent compliance rates as 100 per cent of individuals providing security guard (static ) services were licensed. The inspectors also found that 96 per cent of those licensed were wearing a clearly visible identity badge as legally required. The PSA will issue sanctions to those found non-compliant with the identity badge requirements.
Ms Geraldine Larkin, chief executive of the PSA, said: "Compliance with the licensing requirements among security guards in Galway city was excellent and compliance with the wearing of the identity badge by individuals was good but needed to reach 100 per cent. The wearing of the identity badge in a clearly visible manner is a legal requirement and provides the public with evidence that the wearer has met the appropriate licensing standards set by the PSA. It also allows for identification if a member of the public wishes to make a complaint to the PSA. The PSA will continue to monitor compliance with the licensing and identity badge requirements by carrying out further checks in the Galway area.”
The Private Security Authority is the statutory body with responsibility for licensing and regulating the private security industry in Ireland. The authority is an independent body under the aegis of the Department of Justice and Equality.
The Private Security Authority website (www.psa.gov.ie ) contains a register of licence holders and is a useful tool for business and the public who can ensure that their security provider is licensed by checking the details on the register.
