Local MP Theresa May visited the Maidenhead-based headquarters of the National Security Inspectorate (NSI), the specialist certification body for the private security and fire sectors in the UK.
The Company employs 72 staff including a field force team of auditors who conduct regular visits to alarm installers, guarding companies and fire protection organisations to ensure compliance with the technical standards applicable to their specific area. Mrs May was briefed on the NSI’s role and duties and met a number of staff whilst also presenting silver medals to 2 members of the Maidenhead team who were celebrating their 20th year working within the organisation.
Jeff Little, CEO of NSI commented after the visit “We were delighted and most grateful that the Home Secretary took time out of her amazingly busy schedule to visit our headquarters. Security is close to everyone’s mind at the moment and we at NSI share the Government’s determination to reduce crime and maintain high standards across all aspects of the industry. We talked to Theresa about a number of recent developments including the recent regulation of Private Investigators and the future licensing of security companies in the guarding sector. “
The visit came at a time of significant change in the security industry where technology is enabling far more remote monitoring and actions to be conducted via apps on a smart phone. Wireless alarm systems are now becoming widespread and the power of the internet, improved lenses, cameras and recording capabilities are now making it increasingly difficult for criminals to evade justice. Domestic burglar alarms have been hugely successful in reducing the number of house burglaries over the past 10 years but too many homeowners still wait until they have experienced the trauma of a burglary before fitting an alarm – by then it is too late.
NSI strongly recommends that homeowners and those responsible for their business’ security choose an NSI approved company as they are independently audited to ensure continued compliance with relevant industry standards. A domestic security advice guide can be downloaded, free of charge, from the NSI website at www.nsi.org.uk in the ‘Information Centre’. The website also offers an NSI approved company directory to help locate a choice of suppliers for the particular security or fire safety service that is required.
