Need to check a security licence? Verifying a security provider’s licence ensures they’re compliant and legal. This guide will walk you through the steps to verify a licence quickly and explain why it’s vital for safety and compliance.
Public Register for Security Licences
The public register for security licences is an essential resource for verifying licensed individuals and businesses operating within the industry. Accessible online and free of charge, this public register provides a wealth of information, including the names, licence types, and expiry dates of licence holders.
Before engaging any security service, it is crucial to check the public register to ensure that the provider holds the appropriate licence.
One of the key benefits of the public register is that it allows you to verify the status of a licence renewing. This means you can confirm whether a service provider’s licence is up-to-date or has expired, thereby avoiding potential legal complications. Additionally, verifying a security licence can help ensure you are engaging with legally compliant operators, thereby enhancing the safety and reliability of the services you receive, including checking the expiry date.
Using the public register is straightforward. Visit the gov website, enter the licence number or name of the licence holder, and review the details. This process ensures you are dealing with a legitimate and compliant security service.
Ensuring compliance is not just a legal requirement; it guarantees the safety and trust in the business guard working services you employ.
You can check a QLD security licence here.
On the official government website.
Types of Security Licences
The security industry is diverse, with various licences required for different roles. Security licences are classified into categories based on their functions. From Security Employee Licences to Security Master Licences and Security Trainer Licences, each type has unique purposes, requirements, and restrictions.
Let’s explore these in more detail.
Security Employee Licence
A Security Employee Licence allows individuals to carry out security activities under their issued subclass. This type of licence is designed for those who are directly involved in security tasks, such as patrol, monitoring, and crowd controllers. It is essential for the licence holder to operate within the scope of their specific licence subclass to ensure compliance with regulatory standards.
Security employees at liquor-licensed premises must meet an additional requirement. They are required to hold a Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) certificate. This ensures that they are adequately trained to manage situations involving alcohol responsibly and legally. The combination of a Security Employee Licence and an RSA certificate equips the individual with the necessary skills to perform their duties effectively and safely.
Whether seeking employment or hiring staff in the security industry, ensuring the appropriate licence is crucial. The Security Employee Licence validates qualifications and assures legal compliance and capability in performing security duties.
Security Master Licence
A Security Master Licence is designed for individuals who wish to manage or hire staff for security roles. This licence allows the holder to employ or provide people for security activities, making it essential for those who run security businesses or manage security teams. However, it’s important to note that individuals with a Security Master Licence are not permitted to engage in security activities themselves.
A Security Master Licence ensures the compliant and regulated management of security personnel. It provides a framework for overseeing security operations, ensuring all activities are performed legally and ethically.
Security Trainer Licence
Holders of a Security Trainer Licence are responsible solely for educational roles, not for performing security tasks. This licence allows individuals to conduct training related to security practices and protocols. Security trainers play a crucial role in the industry by ensuring that all training aligns with regulatory standards and the current requirements of the security industry.
A Security Trainer Licence ensures that training provided to security personnel is of high quality and meets all legal and regulatory requirements. This helps maintain the overall standards and integrity of the security industry.
Eligibility and Disqualifying Offences
To qualify for a security licence, applicants must have relevant training and meet specific suitability standards. General suitability for obtaining a security licence is evaluated according to regulations set forth in the Security Industry Act 2003. These regulations are designed to ensure that only individuals who meet the highest standards of competency and integrity are granted licences.
A key eligibility criterion is the absence of serious convictions related to violence, theft, firearms, or drug offences within specified time frames. Individuals are ineligible if convicted in the last 10 years or found guilty in the last 5 years with a penalty of $500 or more, a sentence of imprisonment, or both. These criteria ensure only individuals of good character are entrusted with security responsibilities, ensuring that each person meets the valid necessary standards.
Division 3.5 of the Security Industry Act 2003 provides further details on the general suitability for a security licence. This section outlines the necessary criteria for obtaining the licence. This includes a thorough evaluation of the applicant’s background, qualifications, and overall suitability for the role. By adhering to these regulations, the industry can maintain high standards of safety and compliance.
Applicants must provide evidence of qualifications and submit to background checks to verify suitability. This rigorous process ensures that only qualified and trustworthy individuals are granted approved security licences, applying to maintain public safety and trust in the industry for each person licensed and their applications.
Firearm Licensing for Security Guards
Security guards who carry firearms must meet additional licensing requirements to ensure public safety and regulatory compliance. Armed security personnel must complete a Firearms Safety Test to demonstrate safe handling and performance, ensuring they are fully trained and competent in the use of firearms.
Training requirements for armed security guards, outlined in the Training and Accreditation Framework for Armed Guards, include annual firearms safety training to maintain their licences. These stringent requirements ensure that armed guards can perform their duties safely and effectively.
Firearm licensing ensures security guards who carry weapons comply with all regulations and handle firearms responsibly. This protects public safety and enhances the security industry’s integrity. By meeting these requirements, armed security personnel can provide a higher level of service and security, including obtaining a firearm licence.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I verify if a security company is licensed?
You can verify a security company’s licensing by accessing the public register for security licenses online, where you can search using the license number or the name of the license holder for accurate details. This ensures you are hiring a legitimate and authorised service provider.
What are the different types of security licences?
The different types of security licences are the Security Employee Licence, Security Master Licence, and Security Trainer Licence, each catering to specific roles and requirements within the security industry. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for compliance and career advancement in the field.
What disqualifies an individual from obtaining a security licence?
A security licence may be denied to individuals with serious convictions related to violence, theft, firearms, or drug offences within certain time frames, particularly those with convictions in the last 10 years or penalties exceeding $500 in the past 5 years. These criteria ensure the integrity and safety of the security profession.
What additional requirements are there for armed security guards?
Armed security guards are required to complete a Firearms Safety Test and undergo annual firearms safety training to maintain their licenses, ensuring they handle firearms safely and responsibly. Compliance with these requirements is crucial for their effectiveness in maintaining security.
Why is it important to verify a security licence?
Verifying a security licence is crucial as it confirms the legitimacy of the operators, thereby reducing legal risks and ensuring the safety and reliability of the security services provided.
