Brussels, 10/02/2005 (Agence Europe) - Heinz Kiefer, President of the European Confederation of Police (EuroCOP) has issued a press statement in which he warns of the consequences on the private security sector of the proposed directive on services. Mr Kiefer fears that the application of the principle of country of origin would lead to the delocalisation of security companies to countries with less rigorous standards, or to the training and formation of private militia.
Legislation on private security varies widely between the Member States. In particular, procedures to “screen” employees and directors of security companies are not subject to the same standards in all the Member States. Heinz Kiefer notes that the employment and training of qualified employees and the application of strict accreditation procedures all cost money. For these reasons, there is the risk that security companies will set up shop in Member States with the lowest standards.