Information about an SIA ‘agent’
Published 6 October 2021
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1. Request
I was in a relationship with a man who said he is an SIA agent and his name is [REDACTED] of Edinburgh and suddenly he was suddenly absent from communicating with me. At this time his commander named [REDACTED] notified me that [REDACTED] was taken into custody by the SIA for an investigation as to his documents. I have been really struggling in my life since and just want some answers. Is he in prison? If so, can I write to him? Help me know for sure because I need closure so I can try to heal and move on with my life.
2. Response
2.1 About the SIA
The Security Industry Authority (‘SIA’) is the organisation responsible for regulating the private security industry in the United Kingdom by the compulsory licensing of individuals undertaking designated activities. SIA regulation currently covers manned guarding (including security guarding, door supervision, close protection, cash and valuables in transit, and public space surveillance using CCTV), key holding and vehicle immobilising. As a regulator, the SIA does not know where, or for whom, an operative is working and does not know the specific role an operative will fulfil. The SIA is not the employer of licensed operatives.
The SIA investigates and prosecutes offences contrary to the Private Security Industry Act 2001 and other offences that may have a detrimental impact upon the private security industry e.g. fraud, forgery and counterfeiting. The SIA would only seek arrest/detention by the police if an individual is subject to formal investigation. SIA investigations officers do not have powers of arrest under the Private Security Industry Act 2001.
2.2 Public Register of SIA Licence Holders
We are not able to disclose information relating to licence holders as this would constitute the personal data of a third party and is not disclosable under the Freedom of Information Act 2000. Any individual that has been granted and currently holds an SIA licence can be found on our Register of Licence Holders.
I have checked the public register using the first name and surname of [REDACTED] and can confirm that an individual by this name does not currently hold an SIA licence.
2.3 Scottish Prison Service Location Enquiries
You have requested information on whether [REDACTED] is in prison. You can contact the Scottish Prison Service Location Enquiries at PrisonerLocationEnquiries@sps.pnn.gov.uk to try to ascertain whether an indiviudal is in prison in Scotland.
[Reference: FOI 0284]