Employee Vetting and Screening Compliance Requirements in ISO 18788 / PSC.1

ISO 18788 and PSC.1 are international standards that provide guidelines for the establishment and implementation of management systems for private security companies (PSCs). These standards focus on ensuring that PSCs operate in a responsible, accountable, and professional manner while providing security services.

Within ISO 18788 / PSC.1, employee vetting and screening compliance requirements play a crucial role in ensuring the integrity and reliability of the personnel employed by the PSC. These requirements help in identifying individuals who are suitable for security-related roles and minimize potential risks associated with employing unsuitable candidates.

Here are some key aspects of employee vetting and screening compliance within ISO 18788 / PSC.1:

1. Background Checks: PSCs are expected to conduct thorough background checks on prospective employees. This includes verifying their identities, employment history, criminal records, and any other relevant information to assess their suitability for security-related positions.
2. Reference Checks: PSCs should obtain and verify references from previous employers or other credible sources to evaluate the candidate’s qualifications, skills, and past performance. This helps in assessing the candidate’s reliability, trustworthiness, and professionalism.
3. Qualifications and Training: PSCs are required to ensure that their employees possess the necessary qualifications, certifications, and training required for their roles. This may involve verifying educational credentials, specialized training certificates, or licenses specific to the security industry.
4. Screening for Prohibited Activities: PSCs should implement measures to identify and screen individuals associated with prohibited activities or groups that may pose a risk to security operations or violate ethical standards. This may involve conducting checks to ensure that employees do not have affiliations with criminal organizations, terrorist groups, or other entities involved in illegal activities.
5. Drug and Alcohol Testing: PSCs may be required to establish policies and procedures for conducting drug and alcohol testing to ensure that employees are fit for duty and do not pose risks due to substance abuse.
6. Confidentiality, Privacy, and Data Protection: PSCs must establish protocols to protect the confidentiality of employee and applicant information collected during the vetting and screening process. This includes obtaining informed consent, securely storing data, and complying with relevant data protection and privacy regulations.
7. Ongoing Monitoring and Evaluation: PSCs should have mechanisms in place to periodically review and reassess the suitability of their employees. This may involve conducting regular performance evaluations, rechecking backgrounds at defined intervals, and maintaining up-to-date employee records.

It’s important to note that ISO 18788 / PSC.1 provides general guidelines, and the specific implementation of these requirements may vary depending on the size, scope, and operating environment of the private security company. PSCs should adapt these requirements to their specific context and comply with any applicable local laws and regulations.