Bouncer watchdog begins its work

The system is already running in England and Wales

Members of a new watchdog for the private security industry in Scotland have begun their work.

The Scottish board of the Security Industry Authority has been set up to oversee the introduction of training and licensing for security staff.

The regulations will apply to staff such as nightclub bouncers, store security guards, bodyguards, private investigators and CCTV operators.

By the end of 2007, all staff will have to be vetted and licensed.

The rules already apply in England and Wales.

Unsuitable people

However, extending the SIA's remit to Scotland required an amendment to a Westminster act of parliament.

The Scottish Executive had considered establishing a separate Scottish SIA but it concluded that the costs and regulatory burden on Scottish companies would have been far higher.

Justice Minister Cathy Jamieson said: "Regulation will provide reassurance by preventing unsuitable people from obtaining positions of trust in the private security industry.

The public will benefit from one regulator and one licensing scheme Andy Drane SIA

"It will ensure that security personnel are fit and proper people who are competent to perform their duties.

"It will also benefit legitimate private security businesses and staff in driving up standards and driving out the small minority of operators who are tarnishing their good name by using the industry as a front for illegal activities."

Andy Drane, SIA deputy chief executive, said: "Regulation in Scotland will ensure standards of training and professionalism in the private security industry are the same across Great Britain.

"The public will benefit from one regulator and one licensing scheme which will allow them to have confidence in a regulated and trusted industry, and Scottish security businesses will not be disadvantaged in a competitive market."