The BSIA Briefing: October 2012

The BSIA Briefing: October 2012

16 Oct 12

London 2012, the Security Personnel Awards 2013 and Banknote Watch take centre stage in this month's BSIA Briefing, brought to you as always by Amanda Beesley.

After years of preparation, the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games are now over and the nation’s attention is wholly focused on one word: legacy.

For the security sector, of course, the legacy of the Games is particularly important, with many Olympic initiatives set to continue into the foreseeable future.

The close protection sector is one area of UK private security that has created an Olympic legacy in the form of its Close Protection Co-ordination Unit (CPCU), which will continue to operate for the foreseeable future.

Designed to help visiting VIPs and dignitaries locate a reputable close protection supplier, the CPCU provides a single point of contact which puts visitors to the UK directly in touch with companies working to the relevant British Standards in the provision of close protection services.

As the organisation behind this initiative, the BSIA co-operated with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office to devise a scheme that would work not only for the busy Olympic period, but that could remain in place thereafter and offer a useful point of contact for VIP visitors.

Easing pressures on the police service

Mike O’Neill, chairman of the BSIA’s Close Protection Section, commented: “Prior to the Games, there was a commonly-held perception that the Metropolitan Police Service would provide close protection services to all the visiting dignitaries, but with police close protection resources allocated very early on, many visitors experienced a last-minute need to appoint a private sector company to provide close protection services during this summer’s celebrations.”

Of course, faced with further budget cuts across the public sector, the ability of local police forces to provide close protection services to visiting dignitaries remains in question. As such, the CPCU will provide a lasting legacy in terms of easing the pressure on police forces while continuing to ensure that visiting VIPs receive a high quality service.

O’Neill continued: “Peace of mind is key to the service offered by the CPCU. Members of the BSIA’s Close Protection Section have a good working knowledge of London’s geography and culture, and can help visitors with all aspects of planning their visit to ensure that their time in the UK runs smoothly."

The Close Protection Co-ordination Unit operates from 9.00 am-5.00 pm (BST), Monday to Friday, and can be reached by telephone or e-mail as follows:

Telephone: 0207 516 1258, e-mail: 2012cpunit@bsia.co.uk

To find out more about the BSIA and its Close Protection Section visit the dedicated pages of the Trade Association website


Amanda Beesley is PR and marketing communications manager at the British Security Industry Association