PSIRA
- The South African Private Security Sector is governed by the Private Security Regulation Act, which states that all Guarding Security Officers must be registered before they may be employed. Companies that employ their own In-house Security Officers need to be registered with PSIRA as a Security Provider. Security Officer are graded according to their qualifications, experience and training.
- The roles and responsibilities of Officers differ and are dependent on the grade that the Guard has obtained. The lowest grade for Security Officers in South Africa is grade E, with the highest being grade A.
- In order to become a PSIRA compliant Security Officer it is vital that the correct training is completed. To represent a PSIRA compliant Security Company as per the clause in PSIRA 2001, it is critical that all training is completed by an Accredited PSIRA/SASSETA Training Center. Upon completing the first training, the Security candidate will qualify with a Grade E. There are however various levels that are necessary to reach as one’s career in the Security Industry lengthens and responsibility increases.
DEFINITION AND SUMMARY OF EACH GRADE?
- Grade E’s main function is patrol.
- The Patrol Officer course introduces the learner to the Private Security Industry and provides knowledge of what is expected to uphold the Law as Security Officers.
- Grade D’s main function is access control.
- The Access Control Officer course aims to provide knowledge on how to conduct access control at the egress point.
- Grade C’s main function is access control of a higher risk area.
- The Protection of Information Officer course aims to provide knowledge on how to manage the protection of assets and handle emergency situations.
- Grade B’s main function is access control in high-risk areas where documentation and basic computer skills might be required.
- A site or shift commander.
- Supervision and Management of lower grade security officers.
- Possible inspector doing site visits.
- Supervision
- The Supervision course advances Security Officers to a supervisory level. How to conduct On the Job Training, Handling of Parade and Hosting and Lowering of flags
- Grade A’s main function would normally be a site manager or commander.
- Controlling and managing several functions.
- Managing the security workforce
- Conducting risk assessments and evaluations on site daily.
- Basic investigative skills.
- Problem solving.
- Designing security solutions.
- The Management course aims to provide knowledge to manage a site and gather evidence during accidents and incidents.
- Cash In Transit
- Retail Officer
- Banking Officer
- Reaction/Armed Response Officer
- Special Events Officer
TRAINING SUMMARY OF SPECIALISED GRADE
- Introduction to Cash In Transit
- The Risk
- Operational Procedures
- Dress, Discipline & Behaviour
- Cash In Transit Auditing and Documentation.
- Customer Relation
- Communication
- Security Risks
- Arrest, Search & Seizure in the Retail Environment
- Preservation, Recording & Giving Evidence
- Access Control
- Emergency Procedures
- Safeguarding the Banking Hall & Vicinity
- Access Control
- Emergency Procedures
- Banking Hall Control
- The Risk
- Written Reports
- Introduction to Reaction
- Customer Relations
- Emergency Procedures
- Communication
- Legal Aspects
- Crime Scene Procedures
- Inspection and Challenge Procedures
- Handling of Victims
- Report Writing
- Court and Court Procedures
- Public Relations
- Two Way Radio & Telephone Communications
- Legal Aspects
- Search Procedures & Techniques
- Access Control
- Bombs, Explosive Devices & Firearms
- Fire Fighting, Extinguisher, Prevention & Protection
- Occupational Health & Safety and 1st Aid
- Self Defense & Minimum Force
- Security Risks
- Crowd Control
SECURITY OFFICER REGISTRATION
In order to become a PSIRA compliant Security Officer it is vital that the correct training is completed. To represent a PSIRA compliant Security Company as per the clause in PSIRA Act 2001, it is critical that all training is completed by an Accredited PSIRA Training Centre.
The requirements for individual registration is;
- Be 18 years of age and older,
- Be a permanent resident of South Africa,
- Not have committed any of the scheduled criminal offenses listed in the Private Security Industry Regulation Act,
- Have completed training at an Accredited Training Centre,
- Not be a member of any Military, Security Police or Intelligence Force in South Africa or elsewhere (Clearance certificate is required for former members),
- Pay applicable fee for registration with online application.
PSIRA COMPLIANCE
Many people seeking jobs as Security Guards fall victim to companies who pose as Registered, PSIRA compliant businesses.
The sad realisation of the businesses who are not PSIRA compliant is that they pay their Security Guards below minimum wage. This then results in Security Staff turning to crime. The reality of the situation is that in South Africa, there is a need for Security Companies. This gives the unauthorised companies a chance to open their doors to business, often persuading innocent business owners and landlords of their “valuable service offering.”
With the amount of time, it takes to undergo training, the heavy costs involved in the Security Training as well as the lengthy time it takes to complete a Security check and register new Security Guards, more and more Security Guard candidates end up working for unregistered companies or go look for work in other industries. The lengthy wait often leaves them feeling desperate for work resulting in them turning towards an “easier” solution.
Since the Act requires all persons rendering a Security Service to register with the Authority, the Act further provides for offences and penalties for non-compliance or contraventions. In term of section 38 (3)(a), any person who contravenes or fails to comply with Section 20(1) of the Act, is guilty of an offence. Section 38(3)(a) provides for the following sanctions on convictions:
On a first conviction of a contravention, is liable to a fine or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding five years, or both a fine and such imprisonment;
On a second or subsequent conviction of a contravention, is liable to a fine or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding ten years, or to both a fine and such imprisonment.
Our training facility is accredited as a training provider with
Safety and Security Seta (Accreditation Nr: PAA01519)
Wholesale and Retail Seta (Accreditation Nr: 269)
TETA (Accreditation Nr: TETA23-1567)
PSIRA (Training Centre Accreditation Nr: T2051)
