Every Security Service provider is enjoined to provide security officers with an adequate and distinctive uniform, save in so far as close protection is concerned and must ensure that such uniform is worn by security officers when rendering a security service.
The Private Security Industry Regulations were amended on the 3rd day of July 2020 introducing specific amendments relating to uniforms.
This amendment was introduced without much fanfare or publicity and most security services providers only became aware of the amendment after the South African Police Services issued a circular to its members, instructing them to report any non-compliant security service providers to PSIRA and to launch investigations into occurrences of non-compliance.
In terms of the said amendments all uniforms must:-
| ● | Display two prominently visible badges (flashers) with the clearly legible name of the security business employing the security officer; and |
| ● | Display a badge, attached to the visible portion of the front top part of the uniform, with the name and registration number of the security officer clearly legible on it; and |
| ● | Display a badge with words “Private Security” of at least 10 centimetres in length and 1.5 cm in height on the front top part of the uniform; and |
| ● | Display a badge with words “Private Security” of at least 10 centimetres in length and 1.5 cm in height on the back top part of the uniform; and |
Uniforms may not:-
| ● | be identical to, resemble or reasonably be capable of being mistaken for that of the South African Police Services; or |
| ● | be any shade of blue; or |
| ● | have a camouflage design or pattern, save for security service providers, when rendering anti-poaching services. |
The Authority may permit a security service provider to make use of a uniform that resembles that of a law enforcement agency or security service referred to above, provided that the security service provider has also secured the written consent of the accounting officer of the applicable law enforcement agency or security service.
Security Service providers who do not comply with these regulations will guilty of an offence and on conviction liable to a fine or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding 24 months or to both a fine and such imprisonment.
Non-compliant service providers will have to apply for exemption as soon as circumstances permit.
