In Ireland you cannot simply set up as a security company. The industry is regulated by the Private Security Authority (PSA), and both the company and the individual officers need a licence. What many buyers do not realise is that the law applies to them as well: it is an offence to engage a security contractor who is not licensed.

What the PSA is

The Private Security Authority is the State body, set up under the Private Security Services Act 2004, that licenses and regulates private security. A licence is only granted when the company meets the standard for its sector and the people behind it have been vetted.

Who needs a licence

Licences are issued by sector, and a licence for one sector does not cover another. The sectors most businesses come across are:

  • Security Guard (Static): guarding premises, sites and property;
  • Door Supervisor: licensed premises and events;
  • Security Guard (Event Security);
  • Security Guard (Alarm Monitoring) and (CCTV Monitoring): monitoring centres;
  • Installer of Security Equipment: intruder alarms, CCTV and access control;
  • locksmiths, private investigators and cash-in-transit companies.

The company holds a contractor licence. Each security guard and door supervisor also holds an individual licence in their own name.

How to check a licence

  1. Ask the company for its PSA licence number and its expiry date. A legitimate company will give it without hesitation.
  2. Look the company up on the register of licensed contractors on the PSA website.
  3. Check that the licence covers the service you are buying. A company licensed to install alarms is not automatically licensed to supply guards.
  4. Check the name. The licence should be in the name of the company you are signing a contract with.
  5. When officers arrive, ask to see their individual PSA licences.

If the company plans to use a subcontractor, ask for the subcontractor's licence number as well. The same rules apply.

Why it matters to you

  • It is the law. Engaging an unlicensed contractor is an offence, not just a risk.
  • Vetting. Licensed officers go through Garda vetting as part of their licence application. With an unlicensed guard, nobody has checked.
  • Standards. Licensed guarding companies must work to the PSA's standard for the sector, which covers training, supervision, record keeping and written instructions for each site.
  • Insurance. If something goes wrong on your premises, your insurer is likely to ask who was providing security and whether they were licensed.

Other questions worth asking

  • Can I see your insurance certificate?
  • How are officers supervised, and who do they call at night?
  • Will I get written instructions for my site, and reports from each shift?
  • Do you pay at least the rates in the security industry Employment Regulation Order? (See our guide to what a security guard costs.)

Events: a special note

Event organisers have their own obligations. Security staff at events must be licensed, and stewards, who are not licensed, may not carry out security tasks such as searching people or removing them from a venue. The PSA publishes an information note for event organisers that is worth reading before you book anybody.

Shamrock Security is licensed by the Private Security Authority, and every officer we place holds an individual licence. If you would like our licence details before asking for a quote, get in touch.