In this issue of SSAIB News we have quite an eclectic mix of articles and views. While some of these originated ‘in-house’, the majority are from contributors outside the organisation whose views we feel will be of interest to you and/or inform you.
As the majority of registered firms are involved in the design, installation and maintenance of intruder alarm systems, the new ACPO Policy, effective from 1st of April 2006, which reduces false alarm thresholds, will impact upon many of you, so we have provide some additional details.
Developments in the guarding sector are a major preoccupation for many of you as the Security Industry Authority (SIA) in the UK and the Private Security Authority (PSA) in the Republic of Ireland start to impose their requirements on the private security industry. While Geoff Tate broadly outlines the impact that these bodies are likely to have on various groups as their requirements are progressively introduced, we have devoted a number of pages to exploring the SIA and PSA in more detail. In one article consideration is given to two major themes that have a significant impact on the approach of the SIA: their aims to transform the industry and the concept of the ‘wider police family’. The events in the UK are juxtaposed with those in the Republic of
Ireland as Geraldine Larkin, CEO of the PSA, outlines important dates and developments in the implementation of their licensing scheme.
High street robbery and its remedies is a theme explored in a contribution from Alan Bryan. Alan considers the concepts of ‘shrinkage’ (in a nutshell, shoplifting) and the preventative role played by tagging systems. Graeme Dow draws our attention to the need for a basic insurance provision for installers as he explores some of the potential mishaps facing companies and how insurance cover can take a little of the sting out of the tail. Barry Faiers raises some interesting observations on BS 8418 and Peter Moss draws our attention to some of the real concerns he has over the standards of training, installation and documentation when it comes to fused spur installation.
Last, but not least, Geoff Rendall, SSAIB Certification Manager, reviews the Fire Safety Regulatory Reform Order and postulates whether the requirements are all that new or is it simply a case of old wine in new bottles.
