Inspections of companies and security guards
A total of 26 companies and 2 individual security guards were inspected. Of the 26 companies, 12 (46%) were found not to comply with the provisions of the Private Security Companies and Investigation Agencies Act (Wpbr).
The inspections revealed that:
- Nine companies had security tasks performed by their own staff who were not certified and not screened;
- Three companies employed certified security guards who did not meet the required standards, such as being able to show identification, wearing a uniform, or displaying the mandatory V-emblem;
- At one security company, a person was found to be fully in security uniform while in reality, he was not a certified security guard.
Criminal and unacceptable
(Allowing) security work to be performed without a license is punishable under the Economic Offences Act. Arjen continues: “Private security guards play a crucial role in preventing crime in the port. Shortcomings in basic security undermine the safety of the entire port area and give criminals the opportunity to carry out their criminal activities.”
Follow-up
In consultation with the Public Prosecution Service, it will be decided what follow-up action will be taken for the companies that are in violation. This may involve a (police) warning with a deadline to bring their security up to standard. New inspections will of course follow. “Security guards are our eyes and ears in the port. If their deployment does not meet legal requirements, it weakens the entire security chain,” says Arjen Spek.