Licence to Provide Security Services

a.      surveillance is performed of private areas or of areas accessible to the general public,

b.      control services are performed,

c.       guarded transport of valuables is performed,

d.      security escort services are performed, or

e.      alarm signals are received from assault alarms or burglary alarms or security checks in response to such signals, are subject to the licence requirements.

Such a licence is not required if the security surveillance only is related to the person’s own premises, the neighbourhood premises or other minor and casual surveillance services from which the remuneration is insignificant.

Persons providing security guard services must follow a mandatory, basic, 80 hours training course held by the employer. The theoretical and hands on contents of the course must be approved by the police authority granting the licence.

The Security Guards Services Act requires that a person responsible for the services has untainted character/conduct, is at least 21 years of age and is a national of a state that is party to the EEA agreement.

In order to provide security guard service the licensee must pay in advance a sum equalling 20 times the court fee. In addition, a sum equalling 3 times the court fee for each of the police districts where the service is provided. Changes in the service requiring a new licence are subject to a fee of 3 times the court fee.

The licence to provide security guard services is granted by the police commissioner at the place from where the business is conducted or from another police authority determined by the ministry.