The Standard:
Since the 1st August 2006, it is now a criminal offence for a HOUSEHOLDER, or proprietor of a PREMISES to purchase or hire Security Services (Burglar Alarms, CCTV, Access Control, Safes & Locks, Doormen, Patrolmen, Security Guards, Store Detectives etc.) without first checking to see that the selling Company has a new “P.S.A Licence”, which were recently issued by the Private Security Authority. The P.S.A, which is a statutory body, now has Inspectors actively seeking out offending Householders and Premises owners, who fail to ensure that the company providing their Security Service is licensed under the new Act. They will also bring prosecutions against the ‘Unlicensed operators’ in the business.

Scope:
The scope of this new Legislation will also cover the following areas:

1. First-Fix wiring/cabling of a premises for security systems (as previously done by Electricians)
2. Servicing or maintenance of a Security system or device of any description
3. Sale or supply of a Security device or system of any description
4. Burglar Alarms & CCTV camera systems
5. Locksmiths, sale or supply of Keys, Safes, Door entry systems etc.
6. Door Supervisors, Doormen, Hotel Security personnel
7. Night Watchmen, Security guards, Patrolmen, Home minders etc.
8. Keyholding services, Alarm Monitoring Services etc.
9. Store detectives, Shop Security personnel

Requirement Of Householders & Proprieters:
Every Home or business within the Irish State is now required by Law to check first, before purchasing or hiring Security Services, that the supplying company holds a valid ‘P.S.A Licence’. Failure to do so is now a Criminal offence.

Requirement Of Companies & Employees:
Every company within the Irish State, which trades in any of the above mentioned businesses, is now required by Law to hold a ‘P.S.A Contractors Licence’. In addition to this, each and every one of their Employees must apply for their own individual licences (known as a ‘P.S.A Employee Licence’) which must be carried by the security staff at all times. Failure to do so is also a Criminal offence. This licence must be available for inspection at all times and surrendered to the PSA or the Gardai upon request. There is a strict 10-year vetting procedure by An Garda Siochana and the Revenue Commissioners, along with conformance to strict NSAI Quality Standards before an application for either licence is considered.

Penalties:
Penalties for the Householder/Proprietor are a &euro1,000 fine and/or 1 month in prison, along with a criminal record. Penalties for an unlicensed Security company are from a &euro1,000 fine and/or 3 months in prison, in addition to a criminal record.

Reporting:
Offending persons/companies can be reported directly to the P.S.A in confidence by telephone or via the website www.psa.gov.ie If you are a Customer considering purchasing a new Security System or Service, it is now YOUR responsibility to ensure you buy from a licenced company, innocent failure to do so, could land you with a fine and/or a Prison term with a criminal record. For further Updates and Information, along with a list of Current Licensed Companies in your area, please go to: www.psa.gov.ie

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