PSA Newsletter, June 2026

Welcome to the June 2026 edition of the Private Security Authority newsletter. This issue brings practical guidance for contractors and installers on key holding, Garda vetting, event inspections, employment letters, reporting crimes, and enforcement activity.

The PSA will be carrying out inspections at events throughout the summer months to ensure licence requirements are met and public safety standards are upheld. Contractors providing event security should check licence scope, staffing levels, and documentation ahead of deployments so they can demonstrate compliance if inspected.

PSA licensed contractors may request employment letters for employees who have applied for a licence but not yet received it. These are typically valid for a limited period while processing is underway.

The PSA reminds employers that it is an offence under Section 37 of the Private Security Services Acts to provide a security service without a licence, and contractors who use unlicensed personnel risk suspension or revocation of their own licence.

The newsletter highlights key holding guidance: ensure customers understand the importance of multiple available key holders (three is suggested where practical), keep contact details reviewed regularly, and ensure monitoring centre numbers are known to clients to avoid missed calls.

• Maintain at least three named key holders per site where practical
• Review key holder contact details on a regular schedule
• Ensure clients recognise the monitoring centre number so activation calls are answered
• Agree clear protocols for emergency activations to reduce false alarms

Security companies acting as key holders should have clear protocols with customers for emergency activations to reduce false alarms and unnecessary emergency service deployments.

If your service involves hospitals, residential care, schools, childcare, or similar sectors, check whether vetting under the National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Act 2012 is required. The PSA does not itself carry out National Vetting Bureau checks and points readers to the relevant providers and PSA information note PSA 56 for details.

Contractors should advise clients where vetting is likely necessary and ensure the correct processes are followed.

The newsletter includes a how to guide on reporting a crime and reiterates that the PSA will take enforcement action where required, including prosecutions and licence sanctions for unlicensed activity. Contractors must maintain clear records and ensure their services match the licence they hold to avoid enforcement risk.