Security firms are unlicensed at present

Justice Minister Jim Wallace announced the Scottish Executive's policy on regulation of the private security industry after an extensive consultation process.

He said the executive wanted to extend the licensing system which covers England and Wales to the north of the border.

At present there is no requirement for private security contractors or officers to be licensed in Scotland.

Remit extended

The executive said its consultation had shown widespread support for registration.

It was felt that licence conditions and fees should be similar to those south of the border so Scottish companies are not placed at a disadvantage.

Mr Wallace said the Private Security Act 2001 would need to be amended to allow the Security Industry Authority's remit to be extended to cover Scotland.

Our overriding objective is to deliver an affordable, consistent licensing regime Jim Wallace Justice Minister

"Home Office ministers have indicated that they would welcome extending the SIA's remit to Scotland as soon as a suitable legislative slot is identified in Westminster. The SIA comes into being on 1 April," he said.

"We thought long and hard about establishing a separate Scottish SIA but the costs and regulatory burden on Scottish companies would have been far higher.

"Our overriding objective is to deliver an affordable, consistent licensing regime."

Moves to tighten controls on private security firms have been prompted by fears that some organisations use the industry as a cover for drug dealing and money laundering.