Request ID: FOI-3954-2324 Date published: 27 February 2024
You asked
As a matter of public interest, please provide the grounds for which the dispensation mentioned in the attached response was made.
Thanks
We answered
Our ref: FOI-3954-2324/GH Thank you for your request received by Transport for London (TfL) on 31 January 2024 asking for information about a Security Industry Authority (SIA) dispensation for Close Protection Officers (CPOs) not to display their licences. Your request has been considered under the requirements of the Environmental Information Regulations and our information access policy. I can confirm that we do hold some of the information you require. As part of our extensive camera network to support the effective operation of the ULEZ scheme, mobile units have been deployed. Where security personnel have been used to support the mobile units, due to criminal damage to ULEZ cameras and vehicles, they have operated as CPOs and are suitably licensed by the SIA. Following guidance from the SIA, security staff protecting the vehicles have been required to have their SIA licence on display, and have worn them displayed on the outer most layer of clothing on the upper arm. Although members of the public have the right to request that the licenced security officers show them their licence, security officers are not obliged to show it to anyone other than an SIA Officer, the Police or those to whom the SIA has given authority under Section 19 of the Private Security Industry Act. Our security personnel are permitted to take reasonable steps to cover their licences if members of the public attempt to photograph, film or inspect their licences due to repeated incidents of threats, abuse, and harassment directed at the those supporting the implementation of the ULEZ. These have included clear and direct threats to their personal safety, the sharing of personal information, and targeted harassment on social media. This behaviour is unacceptable, and all serious incidents have been reported to the police for investigation. Further information regarding this can be seen here: FOI request detail - Transport for London (tfl.gov.uk)
If you are not satisfied with this response please see the attached information sheet for details of your right to appeal. Yours sincerely Graham Hurt FOI Case Officer FOI Case Management Team General Counsel Transport for London
