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LSBU security team receive Metropolitan Police community safety accreditation
London South Bank University's (LSBU) security team has become successfully accredited under the Metropolitan Police's Community Safety Accreditation Scheme. The scheme certifies that security staff have undergone comprehensive training and vetting, and means they will be able to work even more closely with the Metropolitan Police in creating safer communities.
17 July 2013
A Home Office initiative introduced in 2002, the Community Safety Accreditation Scheme (CSAS) enables chief constables to accredit employees of organisations who contribute towards community safety and security. It further strengthens the role of LSBU security staff in helping resolve disputes and responding to emergencies.
"LSBU is committed to continuing to deliver a safe and secure environment for our students, staff and visitors", says Colin Holland, Head of Security and Business Continuity at LSBU."We are delighted to have achieved the CSAS standard, enhancing the already very strong relationship we have with the Metropolitan Police."
"We are delighted that the university will now benefit from this scheme", adds Keith Frances, managing director of VSG, the company who provides campus security officers on LSBU's behalf. "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."
"Police forces that have introduced CSAS within their communities have indicated benefits of improved communication, cohesion and public reassurance", says Borough Commander John Sutherland of the Metropolitan Police.
Vice Chancellor Martin Earwicker received the accreditation certificate on behalf of LSBU from Borough Commander John Sutherland on Tuesday 16 April 2013. LSBU is amongst only a handful of universities in the country to achieve the excellence required of this accreditation.
The two-year CSAS accreditation success follows the security team receiving the 'Welcome to Excellence' customer service accreditation last month - the most successful customer service training programme in the UK.
Supporting community safety and security, 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 & Castle and Borough High Street.