Some UK security companies receive police powers www.privateofficer.com
Norfolk England March 7 2012 A number of employees at a Costessey-based security firm have been granted ‘selected’ policing powers after the organisation became a member of the Community Safety Accreditation Scheme (CSAS).
As a member of the Scheme, GSL Dardan will work in partnership with Norfolk and Suffolk police, strengthening links within the community to further increase public reassurance by supporting Safer Neighbourhood Teams (SNTs).
Thirteen members of staff from GSL Dardan were accredited at the firm’s Longwater Business Park offices at a ceremony last Wednesday<29>.
GSL Dardan’s accredited officers, who have had to meet specific training requirements, will wear a nationally identified logo on their uniform and carry an identification card which sets out the powers they are trained and authorised to use.
Some of the powers they have been granted include the ability to issue fixed penalty notices for offences such as graffiti and cycling on footpaths as well as assisting with traffic control and seizing tobacco from persons under 16 years old. They also have the authority to enforce anti-social behaviour laws such as restricting the drinking of alcohol in designated spaces and prohibiting underage drinking.
Superintendent Stuart Gunn, of head of community safety at Norfolk Constabulary, said: “The accredited staff will increase public reassurance and provide greater resources to deal with crime reduction and anti-social behaviour, which greatly impact on people’s lives.”
Adrian Ewing, a consultant at GSL Dardan, said: “We are delighted to become an important part of the Community Safety Accredited Scheme (CSAS) and develop our role within the greater Policing Community.
“We are looking forward to playing a full and active part with supporting ‘Safer Neighbourhood Teams’ and improving public confidence.”
The use of private firms for policing purposes has generated controversy recently, with forces in the West Midlands and Surrey having invited private security companies to bid for a wide range of services, including criminal investigations, patrolling neighbourhoods and detaining suspects.
