London South Bank University’s (LSBU) security team has become accredited under the Metropolitan Police’s Community Safety Accreditation Scheme (CSAS). The scheme certifies that security staff have undergone training and vetting, and means they will be able to work more closely with the Metropolitan Police.
A Home Office scheme set up through the Police Reform Act 2002, CSAS enables chief constables to accredit employees of organisations, such as guarding contractors or unis or others with guardforces, who contribute towards community safety and security. LSBU say CSAS is for their security staff to help resolve disputes and respond to emergencies. Pictured are Borough Commander John Sutherland presenting the CSAS certificate to Vice Chancellor Martin Earwicker.
Colin Holland, Head of Security and Business Continuity at LSBU, also pictured, says: “LSBU is committed to continuing to deliver a safe and secure environment for our students, staff and visitors. We are delighted to have achieved the CSAS standard, enhancing the already very strong relationship we have with the Metropolitan Police.”
Keith Frances, managing director of VSG, the security company who provides LSBU campus security officers, says: “We are delighted that the university will now benefit from this scheme. The Metropolitan Police and VSG have worked very closely through the vetting and training processes, enabling the scheme to progress to the launch status achieved today.” And Borough Commander John Sutherland of the Metropolitan Police says: “Police forces that have introduced CSAS within their communities have indicated benefits of improved communication, cohesion and public reassurance.”
Vice Chancellor Martin Earwicker received the accreditation certificate on behalf of LSBU from Borough Commander John Sutherland on Tuesday, April 16. LSBU is among only a handful of universities in the country to achieve this accreditation.
The two-year CSAS accreditation success follows the security team receiving the ‘Welcome to Excellence’ customer service accreditation last month – a UK customer service training programme.
Accredited VSG security staff are able to:
request a name and address for Fixed Penalty Notices and offences that cause injury, alarm and distress to another person, or damage or loss of another’s property;
request the name and address of a person acting in an anti-social manner;
request a person stop drinking in a designated public place; request surrender of and dispose of alcohol being consumed within a designated public place;
request surrender of alcohol from a person under the age of 18 years;
request surrender of cigarettes and other tobacco products from a person under the age of 16 years.
A person commits an offence if they fail to comply with any authorised request from an accredited person, or fail to provide their name and address when required.
All accredited officials must display the Home Office-approved CSAS badge on their outer clothing. All officials will carry a photo ID card that confirms the powers the individual is able to exercise.
These powers are exercisable in the area bounded by London Road, Borough Road, Elephant and Castle and Borough High Street.
