The Office for Handling Issues Related to Private Security Services - Generally about Law N.125(i)/2007

►In accordance with the legislation, all companies are required to submit annually a list of the names of the persons who are employed as guards or members of their staff, who in accordance with article 16 of the law must train, before taking up their duties.

►In addition, pursuant to article 17 of the Act, companies have an obligation to submit annually a list of activities and events in which their staff had intervened.

►Αll companies which provide security services, in accordance with the relevant legislation, operate a head office on a 24-hour basis for effective functioning in order to act properly, as well as for communication and co-operation with the police in case of emergency. Companies are also required to hand over to the Chief of Police, when requested, any material recorded by closed circuit systems (CCTV).

►The professional qualifications, medical fitness and other capacities of private security services operators or their employees are checked by the Police every year and 5 years respectively. It should be noted that according to the Law, licenses for companies and their employees are valid for one year and five years respectively.

►In addition to the above, it is worth noting that our legislation provides for the supervision and control of private security services offices and their staff. In particular, police constables or sergeants supervise and control the private security services desks and guards, who must comply with Police instructions, and if necessary, assist them on request.

►It should also be noted that, the audited accounts of the companies, may be checked with confidentiality, by the Chief of the Police.

►According to our Law, private security companies as well as their employees are controlled and inspected by the Police.

Specifically, a person who

(a) provides security services beyond those specified in the authorised

services,

(b) works as a guard, contrary to the provisions of the Law,

(c) allows the operation of the Office without authorization by the police,

(d) employs security guards without authorization by the police,

is guilty of a criminal offence and in case of conviction, the penalties are: imprisonment for a period of two years or less, a fine of up to €30.000 or both.

►While guards are on duty, offering private security services, they must carry with them, their own license and Identity Card issued by the Chief of Police and provide ONLY the services authorized by their licence and no other additional ones.

►Private security companies as well as their employees are controlled and inspected by the police, and in case of conviction the penalties are: – imprisonment for a period of two years or less, a fine of up to €30.000 or both

►Licenses for Private Security Services Companies are valid for a (1) year while licenses for guards are valid for five (5) years.