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PSIRA to launch an improved certificate

The Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority (PSIRA) is launching a new certificate for the private security industry next month. The new certificate with improved security features is an effort to eradicate fraudulent issuing of certificates and will make it difficult for fraudsters to forge as there are features that will not be shared with the industry that will enable PSIRA to detect fraud.

PSIRA CEO, Manabela Chauke explained, “The Authority is in a process of rolling out the renewal of the certificate project during 2014. This project will ensure that only eligible registered applicants receive the new certificate with new security features encrypted – and for the first time the certificates will have the expiry date.”

Asked if there is really a need for a new certificate, he said, “The industry’s growth brings along with it the challenge of non-compliance by some security service providers who are not registered and regulated. It is in the best interest of the public for the Authority to promote public safety through effective regulation of the private security industry. The Authority has a statutory obligation to protect the constitutional rights of all people to life, safety and dignity through the effective promotion and regulation of the private security industry.

“PSIRA has identified industry non-compliance as a risk that must be managed and controlled effectively. The increasing identity theft currently taking place within the industry is not only compromising the integrity of the industry, but puts public safety at risk. The Authority has come up with stringent measures that will help to address this non compliance challenge,” said Chauke.

Benefits of the new certificate include:

1. The new certificate will have a valid expiry date. From the date of implementation, individual security officers will be required to replace their certificates every 18-months, while businesses will be required to replace their certificates every 12 months.

2. The paper quality has been improved. Certificates will be printed on high security paper, instead of the existing normal paper which does not have any security features and can be duplicated.

3. Integration with the Department of Home Affairs to verify citizenship through the use of electronic fingerprints scanning.

4. The introduction of the expiry date on the certificate will result in the authority monitoring these certificates and any security officer who has the new certificate will have been screened in cooperation with the Department of Home Affairs.

5. The new certificate will have a barcode linking all information to the individual security officer’s records or business information.

6. Part of the registration process for business will incorporate producing a valid tax clearing certificate.

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