A brief history of the UK security industry

Early security services

People have protected property, communities and trade for centuries. Before modern policing, watchmen and local patrols were often employed by landowners, businesses and local authorities to deter crime and raise the alarm.

The Metropolitan Police was established in London following the Metropolitan Police Act 1829, associated with Home Secretary Sir Robert Peel. This marked an important step towards professional, organised policing in Britain.

Before 2001

For much of the twentieth century, standards across the private security industry varied considerably. During the 1980s and 1990s, the industry became increasingly professional, but there was still no single statutory licensing system for individual security operatives. Some local authorities and organisations introduced their own training and approval requirements. Keywise Security’s predecessor was among the first companies in North Wales to put employees through the relevant local training.

Regulation after 2001

The Private Security Industry Act 2001 established the framework for national regulation. The Security Industry Authority was formally established in 2003 and began issuing licences in 2004. People carrying out licensable private-security activities must hold the appropriate SIA licence, subject to the legal rules and exemptions applying to their role.

National licensing introduced more consistent training, identity and criminality checks for regulated security work. This gives clients greater confidence that licensed personnel meet defined requirements. The SIA also operates a voluntary Approved Contractor Scheme for security businesses that choose to apply.