What is this standard about?
This is a new code of practice giving recommendations on how to provide mobile security services.
Who is this standard for?
It’s for security services providers and users, which encompasses:
- SIA Approved Contractors
- Organizations providing security services
- Organizations installing alarm systems
- Those responsible for security systems in buildings
- Security service training officers
- Facilities management companies
- Security companies
- The retail, sports, entertainment and airports sectors
- Prisons, probation and police services
- Local government
Why should you use this standard?
It gives recommendations for the management, staffing and operation of an organization providing mobile patrol services.
This British Standard assists procurers of mobile patrol services such as security companies and agencies, building management companies, local authorities and those promoting compliance.
NOTE: This British Standard does not apply to lone worker response services, static site guarding and keyholding and response services. Recommendations for keyholding and response services are given in BS 7984-1. Recommendations for lone worker response services are given in BS 7984-2. Recommendations for static site guarding are given in BS 7499.
Elements of keyholding are also contained in BS 7499; however, BS 7499:2013, 5.4.2.2 clearly states that where an operational vehicle is required for keyholding and alarm response, the response is to be carried out in accordance with BS 7984 or keyholding response services and mobile patrols should be carried out as a shared service on a contracted basis.
What’s changed in this update?
BS 7984-3:2020 is a new standard. When BS 7499:2013 was being revised it was realized that it was doing “treble duty” – acting as a code of practice on static site guarding, a code of practice on mobile patrol services, and being used as a general standard on the provision of security services.
It meant users were potentially getting a lot content that wasn’t relevant to them. Also that there was a lot of duplication throughout the security standards portfolio. Therefore the decision was made to split BS 7499 into three standards:
- BS 10800:2020, which contains the provision of security services content previously found in the old BS 7499, and which forms the new, overarching standard
- BS 7499:2020 which is a revised code of practice, now only covering static guarding security services
- This standard, BS 7984-3:2020, which is a new code of practice on the provision of mobile security services