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SIA Training for CCTV Licence
There is no doubting that there is an increasing reliance on the use of CCTV within the community. Wherever we go, we can be assured that we will encounter at least one CCTV system being operated with the aim of maintaining peace and security. CCTV systems have proven themselves to be a powerful tool within the security industry in not only deterring criminal activity but also assisting in the apprehension of people who have engaged in criminal and anti social acts. CCTV Security Operators are at the coal face in the use of this technological advancement and as the vocation is a highly specialised one they have an obligation to undertake the appropriate SIA CCTV training to ensure that they can obtain their SIA License.
The Security Industry Authority is dedicated in its pursuit of increasing the professionalism and accountability of all areas of the security industry, and as a key role, CCTV operators are also guided by the Authorities stringent training requirements. SIA CCTV training is a pre requisite for those looking at obtaining their SIA CCTV License and the SIA CCTV training curriculum has been designed to ensure that operators have the necessary skills and technical know how to use security CCTV equipment efficiently and professionally. By attending a recognised SIA CCTV training program future operators can be assured that they will be given the theoretical and practical training that will see them become proficient in the use of all types of CCTV systems.
There is more to being a CCTV operator then simply watching the footage that the camera system captures. CCTV operators require an intimate knowledge of not only the use of CCTV systems, but also the legislative guidelines for the use of the equipment. They are required to understand the laws relating to the admissibility of footage obtained from the system right through to the laws relating to personal privacy to ensure that the equipment is used within the expectations of the community. By undertaking a recognised SIA CCTV training program future CCTV operators will gain an appreciation and understanding of what is required of them to undertake their duties effectively.
The demand for the use of CCTV in the security industry is set to continue. This provides a unique opportunity for those looking at a rewarding career within the security industry to consider the benefits that a career as CCTV operator provides. The first step for anyone considering a career as a CCTV operator in the security industry is to identify the most appropriate SIA CCTV training program which will meet their own unique needs. After undertaking and passing their SIA CCTV training, operators are able to obtain their SIA license and secure employment within the security industry. With so many employment opportunities available for CCTV operators in the security industry there has never been a better time for people to undertake a SIA CCTV training program so that they can kick start their career within the security industry.
CCTV Training
The use of Public Space Surveillance (CCTV) is an important tool to assist security professionals in the course of their duties. While Public Space Surveillance (CCTV) operatives may not be at the coal face of the security industry, operatives play one of the most important roles in preserving and protecting life and property. In many instances CCTV operatives have a greater responsibility than security officers during the course of undertaking their duties as they are required to carefully analyse events as they occur in real time so that they can record evidence and allocate security resources to counter any threat which may arise. To become competent in this role there is a necessity to undertake detailed CCTV training to ensure that this important tool can be used to its full potential.
The Security Industry Authority has mandated the necessary CCTV training that operatives are required to undertake prior to gaining an SIA license which will allow people to operate Public Space Surveillance devices as part of their employment. A basic requirement for obtaining an SIA licence to operate CCTV devices is to undertake an SIA training course which will allow you obtain a Level 2 Award in CCTV Operations (Public Space Surveillance). The SIA training which is provided when undertaking the Level 2 Award in CCTV Operations is detailed and provides all those wishing to enter the security industry as a CCTV operator with the skills and attributes necessary to become proficient in the use and maintenance of CCTV equipment.
The security industry is evolving and there is a higher demand being placed on the use of CCTV within the industry to increase the professionalism and achievements of security providers within the community. However, with the higher demand which is being placed on the use of CCTV means that the Security Industry Authority is also keen to ensure that the industry takes the necessary steps to keep up with this demand by only deploying CCTV operatives who have the necessary competencies which will ensure that CCTV remains an effective tool for the security industry. To ensure that this is the case the Security Industry Authority has been very specific in the SIA training which is necessary for potential CCTV operatives before they embark upon a career within the security industry.
For those interested in entering the security industry as a CCTV operative, it is imperative that they gain their training through a reputable SIA training provider to ensure that they learn the skills and competencies to operate the wide range of CCTV equipment they will come across. There is more to being a CCTV operative than merely watching camera footage, CCTV operatives need to have the ability to analyse the footage they are watching so that it can be appropriately acted upon. Approved SIA training is sure to set future CCTV operatives in the enviable position of becoming part of today’s highly trained and professional security industry where reliance is being placed on the technical knowledge of security providers.
Not Licensed? Get CCTV Licensed!
There have been a number of incidents recently of security staff found working unlicensed in the pubs and clubs of UK cities. Although these incidences have proven to be largely isolated � with the two most recent in Welshpool and Aberdeen coming amid a range of organisations coming up clean in spot checks � it is important to take notice that people are still working illegally in the industry, and that there will be a number of others out there either working unlicensed, seeking work without getting a license first, or working under false or forged documentation. It is therefore worth making the point again that all security staff employed in the United Kingdom must be licensed by the SIA before they do even a minute of paid security work.
The Grampian Police ran an operation last month in Aberdeen in conjunction with the SIA and the relevant government agencies, visiting 35 different premises in order to engage with Dorr Supervisors in the city�s licensed premises. This was with the intention of ensuring compliance with the Private Security Act of 2001, in which it is stated that security staff working in the industry must be licensed for the work that they are carrying out. Amid the 35 visits made by the Grampian Police, there were five offences committed under the Act. Although the vast majority of pubs and clubs visited passed the tests with flying colours, there was concern voiced by the SIA and by Grampian Police that there were as many as five cases where the law had been broken, and there will undoubtedly be further action taken in those cases.
In Welshpool, the story was similar but on a smaller scale. Seventeen premises were visited by the authorities and thirty eight staff checked for full SIA licenses. All but two of the individuals questioned proved to have the correct licenses, but one door supervisor and one premises supervisor were found to be operating in contravention of the Private Security Industry Act. Police are continuing their enquiries and there is some possibility that prosecutions may result from these enquiries. At the same time, checks going on up and down the country are revealing a very high level of compliance. The story seems to be much the same in most places, in fact, with those door staff working without a front-line SIA licence very much in the minority.
The response coming out of the SIA at the present time seems to back that up, with broad satisfaction being the order of the day, leavened nonetheless by the realisation that some people are still working without valid Door Supervisor licenses. The message needs to be reiterated time and again until everyone working as a security professional or hiring a security worker is aware of the potential consequences of non-compliance with the Act. The cases in Welshpool and Aberdeen, although more the exception than the rule, shows that there is work still to do in this capacity. Work will continue to this end, we can be assured.
http://www.get-licensed.co.uk
Big Summer Ahead for Security Industry
This summer is a big one in a number of spheres in the UK, which will see events the length and breadth of the country attended by hundreds of thousands, even millions of people in total. Among these events are several sporting competitions, the music festival season and any number of other cultural gatherings. With the popularity of these events, allied to what some media outlets are suggesting will be a febrile political atmosphere in the wake of the European elections and the MPs expenses scandal, there will be some need for security guards for the events. There are many who would argue that the opportunity for things to get out of hand is greater than ever.
For people with an SIA licence, this is arguably a time of great opportunity. Although no-one with any real sense wants the summer to be marked by a series of riots or flash points there is a bright side to this summer’s events for trained security guards with a licence. The advantage of having SIA training in a setting such as that which will arise this summer is that event organisers are liable to choose to add staff as they see the danger of trouble increasing the longer the summer goes on. At this point, it would be a little late to start training in order to unhook a job this summer – but the fact is that events will be carrying on into the autumn and beyond.
The summer is always an interesting period. More people are outdoors than in any given season due to the hot sunny weather that always turns up in Summer – even in the United Kingdom. Where large numbers of people are gathered together, especially when it is hot, there is always the chance that a misplaced word or a careless step will lead to a flare-up that could trigger trouble of one kind or another. When you add into this equation the fact that a large number of these events are accompanied by the opportunity to drink large amounts of alcohol, there is an extra frisson of danger that needs to be snuffed out before it can escalate. Trained and competent security staff are an absolute necessity in this environment.
The events in question will take place all over Great Britain, with tennis at Wimbledon towards the end of June – not what one might consider a likely flashpoint, but certainly as prone as any other event to petty theft and a spectacular, headline-grabbing display or protest. There is also the Edinburgh festival in August right at the other end of the island, along with many other events. The music festival season continues from the middle of June to the end of August and takes in locations as diverse as Glastonbury, Leeds, Reading, Chelmsford, Stafford and Perth. Each of these festivals is attended by tens, even hundreds of thousands of people, and will therefore need to be staffed by SIA trained security guards – so it is worth ringing around to find out more.
Largest Operation Ever Mounted in Scotland to Tackle Rogue Security Companies
5 March 2009: Investigators from the SIA supported officers from Strathclyde Police, Lothian & Borders Police, UK Border Agency and the Department of Work and Pensions, to target rogue security firms working at construction sites across the Strathclyde and Lothian & Borders areas.
For yesterday's operation, the partners pooled intelligence to tackle companies believed to have links to serious and organised crime. Investigators targeted security operatives at 202 construction sites which were secured by 37 different security companies.
120 licensable security operatives were checked
97 held SIA licences
23 operatives were reported for working without an SIA licence
1 manager was reported for deploying unlicensed operatives
4 operatives were reported for failing to display their SIA licence
15 people were reported for benefit irregularities
10 people were reported for immigration offences
2 people were reported for fraud offences
1 person was reported for drugs offences
Investigations are continuing.
Christy Hopkins, SIA Head of Investigation, said:
"This huge operation shows the commitment of the SIA and our partners to target rogue security companies that seek to profit by disregarding the law. The SIA regulates the private security industry to ensure that only fit and proper people are employed in these positions of trust within our communities. We will continue to work closely with our partners to cause maximum disruption to rogue security firms."
Detective Inspector Calum Young, Maryhill CID, said:
"I am pleased with the results of Wednesday's operation. The sole purpose of this and the operations that will follow, is to target those individuals and companies that continue to act outside the law.
Our message to those who are active in the Private Security Industry is a simple one; you are governed by the Private Security Industry Act 2001, act and work in accordance with the law."
Phil Taylor, Regional Director of the UK Border Agency in Scotland and Northern Ireland said:
"Our message is clear - we will not tolerate immigration related crime, which threatens to damage our communities. This successful operation shows our commitment to work closely with our colleagues in police forces throughout Scotland to help uncover this activity.
We are determined to deal with this threat, and we will step in and identify those who are breaking our immigration laws and remove those people who are in the UK illegally."
Notes to Editors:
The Security Industry Authority regulates the private security industry in Great Britain under the Private Security Industry Act 2001, reporting to the Home Secretary. Its main duties are: the compulsory licensing of individuals undertaking designated activities; managing the voluntary Approved Contractor Scheme approving private security suppliers.
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