No single historical event marks the origin of the security profession. The skill to which “state-of-the-art” defenders devoted themselves has its antecedents prior to fact in the haze of myth. At the start, there were hunters, then farmers, then with something to be gained by barter, prostitutes and politicians. Given some debate about precedence, those are the first four human endeavors.

But as soon as something can be gained, it must be protected. Hence – the fifth profession - security.

David Morell

 

According to the legal definition, private security activity is a commercial activity aimed at protecting the life and health of individuals, protecting the property of individuals and legal entities, guaranteeing the maximum level of security during the transportation of valuable shipments and cargo, ensuring the unhindered conduct of different in nature and type of events. In essence, the private security activity supports the prevention of criminal encroachments, thereby contributing to the increase of public order and security. It is an economic sector that occupies one of the first places in terms of the number of employed persons, despite the increasing tendency to replace the human factor (physical security) with smart technologies, analytical software and digital solutions.

Security service providers (private security companies) are commercial companies that provide services for security and protection of assets, people, events, information and infrastructures, minimizing the risk of theft, intrusion, assault, damage. It is important to note, however, that under the current legal framework, the powers of security officers for private security companies are significantly less than those of state law enforcement agencies.

Security guards are the first-line officials responsible for the security of people and assets in the guarded facility, therefore, in emergency situations, they are the ones expected to correctly assess the threat and risk, as well as to implement an adequate security protocol.

Given the field of application of private security services and their connection with the fundamental rights of people, such as personal freedom and bodily integrity, right to privacy of private life, home, property, etc., private security activity is highly regulated by a wide range of legal and by-laws.

Private security activity is a licensed activity that is carried out according to the terms and conditions of the Law on Private Security Activities (PSA) and Regulations No. 8121z-610 and No. 8121z-611., based on the following principles (Article 3 of the PSA):

  • compliance with the Constitution, laws and international treaties to which the Republic of Bulgaria is a party;
  • respecting and guaranteeing the rights and freedoms of citizens and their dignity;
  • protection of life, health and property of citizens;
  • protection of information and sources for its acquisition;
  • interaction with public order and security authorities.

Private security activities shall be carried out on the basis of a contract concluded between commercial companies licensed under the Law on Private Security Activities and Contracting authorities/Clients.

The security of property may also include the provision of a pass-through regime in the secured premises and/or video surveillance, which must be carried out in compliance with the requirements for the protection of personal data under Regulation (EU) 2016/679, more popularly known as the GDPR, and the Law on Personal Data Protection.

In the case of armed protection of objects and property, the storage, carrying and use of service weapons is regulated by the Law on Weapons, Ammunition, Explosives and Pyrotechnic Products. 

The fire safety of each site shall be in accordance with the requirements of Ordinance No. 8121z-647 of 1 October 2014 on the rules and regulations for fire safety in the operation of premises.

In the event that the protected object falls into one of the categories specified in Art. 2 of Ordinance No. 8121h-1225 of September 27, 2017 for the types of objects under Art. 23, para. 1 of the Counter-Terrorism Act, whose owners and users develop and implement counter-terrorism measures, the minimum requirements for these measures and the procedure for exercising control, security activities also include obligations to prepare Plans and implement measures related to prevention and countering terrorism in accordance with the said Ordinance.

The licensing and control authority for traders providing private security services within the meaning of the Law on Private Security Activities is the Ministry of the Interior.

Date: 02.09.2022

Author: Nikoleta Atanasova, PhD

Readed: 424