Four Key Security Guard Services in Bristol that Require an SIA Licence
Most security guards require an SIA licence before they are allowed to provide professional security guard services in Bristol.
Of course, as with anything, there are certain exceptions to this rule. But as a general rule of thumb, it is safest to assume that if you want to provide security guard services in Bristol, or if you’re looking to hire a security guard for your business, then you will need to ensure the correct licence is held before proceeding.
So, you will need your SIA licence if the type of security services you are providing are classed as ‘Manned Guarding’. The four main types of ‘Manned Guarding’ are explained briefly below:
Cash and Valuables in Transit
These security guard services in Bristol involve the protection of often large amounts of cash or valuables as they are transferred from one location to another.
One example is those who bring businesses their on-site cash for the day – large corporations such as McDonalds restaurant, for example, may have a large cash delivery daily to ensure they have enough money to use as change for customers throughout the day. Cash security guards more commonly, however, work taking money to and from the bank.
Vans containing the cash will usually be heavily-secured, tracked, and the cash containers are not generally accessible by the security guard handling them.
Close Protection
Close protection is more commonly known as ‘Body Guarding’, and involves the protection of one, or a small group of (in some cases), individuals.
Close protection security guard services in Bristol may be required for political figures, celebrities or those fearing for their personal safety.
A great example would be a popular singer who might be about to perform a concert – a Close Protection guard (or a full team) would accompany him or her to ensure no attempts at his or her health were made.
Door Supervision
This is one of the most common types of security guard services in Bristol, and involves manning the door to a premise such as a pub or a shop.
Often called ‘Bouncers’ or ‘Doormen’, responsibilities often include making sure those who enter the premises are of sound mind and of the right age.
In a shop, door supervisors will also be in charge of preventing shoplifters leaving a store with stolen goods.
Public Space Surveillance (CCTV)
Public Space Surveillance is one of many types of security guard services in Bristol that requires the SIA licence, and involves monitoring public spaces (such as town centres, parks, shopping centres) from a remote location on a monitor hooked up to the Closed Circuit Television (CCTV).
This type of service requires keen eye for detail, and, you guessed it, an SIA licence.