FOI release

SIA licence holders called upon to help combat terrorism

Published 25 November 2021

1. Request

With the ongoing threat of terrorism, my question is: anyone holding an SIA licence, are we likely to be called into service to combat the terrorism threat?

2. Response

I confirm that the SIA holds information that may be of assistance in responding to this request. The private security industry plays a vital role in public protection.

Since at least December 2014, the qualifications for security operatives have incorporated content on counter terrorism to provide security operatives with the knowledge and confidence to detect, deter or disrupt potential terrorist activity.

I have set out below an overview of the training content relating to counter terrorism content.

In order to hold a door supervisor, security guarding, public surveillance (CCTV) and vehicle immobiliser licence, security operatives must understand emergencies and the importance of emergency procedures. This includes but is not limited to:

• identifying responses to different types of emergencies which includes threatened serious injury and bomb threats
• stating how to make emergency calls
• identifying behaviours that could indicate suspicious or terrorist activity e.g. persons taking particular interest in security measures, persons with forged, altered or stolen identity documents, parked vehicles with people inside and multiple sightings of the same suspicious person, vehicle or activity
• identifying actions to be taken in the event of a security threat e.g. reporting suspicious behaviour that does not need immediate response to the anti-terrorist hotline

The door supervisor specialist module sets out that learners must understand emergency procedures which should be followed by a door supervisor. This includes but is not limited to:

• stating the importance of knowing the venue’s evacuation procedures for different types of emergencies e.g. bomb threats, serious crimes
• stating the role of a door supervisor when dealing with threats of terrorism – identifying suspicious behaviour, remaining vigilant in and near the venue, searching individuals on entry, conducting regular patrols inside and outside a venue and being aware of suspicious vehicles
• identifying sources of information on terrorism awareness – national threat levels, local information, home office and security services websites and national and local anti-terrorism initiatives e.g. Griffin, Argos and Fairway

The CCTV module sets out that learners must understand:

• the roles and responsibilities of the CCTV operator and other CCTV staff. This includes but is not limited to identifying the main types of incidents that a CCTV operator may assist with – what is an incident and the different types and recognising indicators of a suspected improvised explosive device (IED) – unattended items, suspicious vehicles, suspicious behaviour/clothing
• CCTV codes of practice, operational procedures and guidelines. This includes but is not limited to identifying reasons for targeting suspects and vehicles e.g. prior experience, observed behaviours, body language and the justification of continued targeting and identifying methods used when targeting suspects and vehicles
• the importance of communication within CCTV operations which includes interacting with third parties during an incident and providing assistance and identifying actions to take when receiving a request for assistance
• how to use CCTV equipment. This includes but is not limited to explaining the actions to be carried out when suspected criminal activity is detected by a CCTV operator such as using cameras appropriately, tracking and gathering evidence; explaining how to work with the control room to deal with multiple incidents and identification of body language and behaviours that could indicate unusual or suspicious activity

On 10 September 2021 the SIA launched new counter-terrorism e-learning for security professionals. It was developed in conjunction with the National Counter Terrorism Security Office and the Centre for the Protection of National Infrastructure. ACT Security is free, specialised training for front line security operatives. The custom-built training provides up-to-date counter-terrorism knowledge to help operatives prepare for and respond to terrorist incidents whilst on duty. There are five modules that cover:

• the role of a security operative in counter terrorism
• current terrorist attack methods
• identifying and responding to suspicious activity
• incident response planning
• responding to a terrorist incident

The SIA is urging all security operatives to take this free specialised training to enhance their skills to combat the threat of terrorism.

[Reference: FOI 0298]