7-
New security company licensing scheme in good progress
The Security and Guarding Services Industry Authority (SGSIA) has received over 60 applications for security company licence since the commencement of the application period in November last year.
The Authority's Chairman, Mrs Miriam Lau, said today (Tuesday) that the response was encouraging.
Under the new Security and Guarding Services Ordinance, a licence would be required for companies providing services such as guarding, armoured transportation, and installation and design of security devices with effect from June 1 this year.
Mrs Lau said she understood many companies were actively studying the licensing requirements and introducing improvements to their operations in preparation for the application.
"To allow sufficient time for the Police and the SGSIA to complete the processing of applications before June 1, it would be in their interest to apply as soon as possible," she said.
'Mrs Lau said in determining an application for a security company licence, SGSIA would examine the company's background, its equipment and facilities, and its supervisory methods with reference to an investigation made by the Police.
"Each application will be considered at a public hearing session attended by representatives from the applicant company and the Police.
"So far the processing work for licence applications has progressed smoothly. The first public hearing was conducted last week to consider nine applications, and the first batch of licences will be issued within this month," she said.
Mrs Lau also reminded employees engaged in security work of the need to apply for security personnel permits under the Ordinance.
With effect from June 1, watchmen of residential buildings, armed or unarmed security guards, and technicians responsible for installation or design of security devices will need to possess a permit issued by the Commissioner of Police.
Mrs Lau said the Police had received over 2,000 applications and issued 1,083 permits so far.