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VSG (Vision Security Group), a leading provider of Security and Support Services to blue-chip organisations across the UK, are one of the first privately owned organisations to be awarded accreditation under the Community Safety Accreditation Scheme. After a stringent 18 month evaluation process VSG were awarded the accreditation in October.
The Community Safety Accreditation Scheme (CSAS) has been made possible through the Police Reform Act 2002, with the aim of raising awareness and improving standards to help promote and develop co-operation between the police and their partners within the community.
In previous years the police were seen as the only agency able to tackle crime but over the last ten years the relationship between the police, local authorities and private businesses has broadened, allow all agencies to share intelligence and promote safer communities. As a direct result of the scheme the police have seen the crime rate fall below the targets set for this year and the partners continue to work together to drive down crime and the perception of crime within their communities.
The VSG security officers at Festival Leisure Park in Basildon Essex underwent a rigorous process to qualify for accreditation. They each had to satisfy the standards of a strict vetting process before undergoing a detailed training programme which involved special training in relevant areas of law. These included the use of powers and appropriate procedures, human rights, race relations and equal opportunities.
Each officer is expected to carry an identification card, which will confirm the powers the individual is able to exercise and will also display, at all times, their Home Office approved National Accreditation Badge. Philip Miles and Steven Matthews who were among the VSG Security Officers awarded accreditation said, 'We feel we have achieved something really important and are very proud to receive accreditation today.'
The CSAS has been up and running in Essex for just over three years and in that time the police force has seen a 50% reduction in anti social behaviour and a 90% reduction in graffiti in parts of the county.
Bill Muskin, Chairman of VSG said, 'VSG have been working very closely with the Essex Police over the last 18 months to gain company accreditation to the Community Safety Accreditation Scheme. On the 15th October I attended the official recognition ceremony to receive our certification along with the security team from Festival Leisure Park, Basildon who had all passed the training and entrance examination to become individual members of the programme. This is a great accolade for these officers who are a credit to both themselves and VSG.
This is an excellent example of private security becoming part of the wider Police family and we are looking forward to rolling out the scheme to other teams in Essex, including Nulap Stevenage and High Chelmer Shopping Centre who are both very close to becoming members themselves.'
VSG are proud to be part of the ongoing success of the Essex Police Authority initiative and will continue to assist in driving down crime in the area.
