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Compliance of security contractors critical

Compliance is no longer an annoyance, it is the law.

Retailers are at risk to incidences of crime, fraud and theft on a daily basis. Ensuring your security contractors are held to high standards and represent the best of their industry is of the utmost importance to your protection and safety.

Economic pressures have been driving businesses and individuals to seek security companies who operate at the cheapest rates, but who are not necessarily compliant with industry standards, employ unqualified personnel and pay low wages.

PSIRA is the Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority. Through PSIRA, private security service providers are held to a code of conduct, training standards and regulations and the Private Security Regulation Act. The PSIRA Act 56 of 2001 also puts the onus on the consumer of a security service. In terms of the act, you, the consumer could be criminally liable if you use the service of a non compliant company.

The South African Security Association (SASA) is a representative for all security aspects in South Africa, an advocate for industry and a custodian of professional business practices. SASA ensures industry representatives and businesses are professional institutions who are compliant and abide by the laws that govern the industry.

Jenny Reid, President of SASA, says “It is a mistake to assume that because your business is being protected by a security company that you are not susceptible to criminal acts. Companies and individuals can institute safeguard procedures with the use of additional background and credit checks. It is also important for businesses to work hand-in-hand with industry to ensure the individuals, occupying positions within safety and security, are legitimate.”

Members of this association are required to be in compliance and of good standing with PSIRA, that operational staff is registered with PSIRA, the company is registered with CIPRO and security guards have to be treated fairly and paid according to industry standards.

By ensuring that you understand security industry standards, you can protect yourself from criminal and fraudulent behaviour.

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