The main purpose of the private security industry in the UK is to provide manned and technical services for the protection of people, premises or property. It is part of the ‘extended policing family’ and is made up of different sectors (see below). The private security industry is regulated by the Security Industry Authority (SIA).

A security operative is someone who:

Works within the private security industry
Controls access and exits of premises
Enforces the rights of private property owners
Provides assistance to the police or other law enforcement agencies

The different sectors

There are different areas and job roles within the private security industry. For example: working in retail venues as security guards, in night-time venues as door supervisors or for councils as CCTV operatives. The following are licensed activities:

Door supervision – door supervisors provide security duties in licensed premises such as pubs and nightclubs. Their role is to keep staff and customers safe, prevent crime and maintain order.

Security guarding – security guards may look after premises, protecting them from damage, unauthorised access or occupation. They may also guard property ensuring it is not stolen or damaged.

Key holding – a security guard could have the responsibility for the locks to the premises and this is called key holding.

Close protection – close protection is the guarding of an individual from assault or injury.CCTV operations – Closed Circuit Television (Public Space Surveillance) operators monitor

the activities of people in a private or public place using CCTV equipment.

Vehicle immobilisation – vehicle immobilisers are responsible for specific areas of private land and have powers to remove vehicles, restrict their movement with a device (clamp) or release vehicles after payment of a fine.

Cash and valuables in transit – these operators are responsible for the safety of property whilst using specific vehicles such as armoured cars.