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June 23, 2026
5 min read
The Security Industry Authority (SIA) ensures that individuals working in the private security industry are qualified and trustworthy. If you have a criminal record, it affects your chances of obtaining or keeping an SIA licence.
When reviewing your criminal record, the SIA considers several factors. The type of offence plays a significant role, with serious crimes such as violence, fraud, or theft being more likely to impact your application. The time since the offence occurred is also considered; older offences may hold less weight, particularly if you have shown clear signs of rehabilitation.
The nature of the punishment, whether a custodial sentence, community order, or fine, is assessed differently. A history of repeated offences or a pattern of criminal behaviour can further influence the decision.
The SIA focuses on specific offences that could raise concerns about your suitability. These include crimes involving violence, such as assault or battery, as well as theft or burglary.
Fraud-related offences, such as identity theft or forgery, are scrutinised closely. Drug offences, particularly those involving possession with intent to supply, and sexual offences are additional areas of concern.
If your record includes any of these, it doesn't automatically disqualify you, but the SIA will closely review the details.
Seek professional advice if you're unsure how a past conviction might affect your SIA licence application. In the meantime, you can begin your journey into the security industry by enrolling in the SIA-approved courses: the Door Supervisor Course, Security Guard Course, Close Protection Officer Course, or CCTV Operator Course. These courses will give you the skills needed to pursue a career in security, regardless of your past convictions.
The SIA focuses on specific offences that could raise concerns about your suitability. These include crimes involving violence, such as assault or battery, as well as theft or burglary. Fraud-related offences, such as identity theft or forgery, are scrutinised closely. Drug offences, particularly those involving possession with intent to supply, and sexual offences are areas of concern.
The SIA carries out criminal record checks through the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS), which provides information about convictions, cautions, warnings, and reprimands. For applicants in Scotland and Northern Ireland, equivalent services are used to obtain similar records.
A drink-driving conviction does not automatically result in losing your licence. The SIA considers several factors, such as whether the offence involved violence or caused harm to others, how recent the conviction is, and whether it reflects a pattern of behaviour. If your licence is suspended or revoked, you can appeal the decision.
The criminality check takes up to 25 working days, though the timeframe can change based on several factors. These include the complexity of your criminal record, potential delays in gathering information from other agencies, and the need for any additional checks.
If you've lived abroad in the past five years, the SIA will require a criminal record check from that country. This ensures consistency in assessing applicants regardless of where they've lived. You'll need to provide documents proving your criminal history (or lack thereof) from the relevant authorities.
A criminal record doesn't always mean you can't get an SIA licence. The SIA evaluates each case individually, considering the nature and timing of offences, among other factors. Use the tools and resources available to ensure you're informed before applying.
To make things simple, the SIA provides a criminal record indicator tool. This tool lets you enter details about your convictions and see if you can apply for a licence. It's quick, easy, and gives a clear idea of where you stand before you start your application.
The SIA reviews your criminal record when considering your application. Serious offences, such as violence, fraud, or theft, are more likely to impact your chances. The time since the offence and whether you've shown signs of rehabilitation are also considered.
The SIA focuses on offences like violence (assault, battery), theft or burglary, fraud (identity theft, forgery), drug offences (uncommonly possession with intent to supply), and sexual offences. These offences are closely examined, but having one doesn't automatically disqualify you.
The SIA provides a criminal record indicator tool where you can enter details about your convictions and see if you are eligible for a licence. This tool is quick, easy to use, and gives you a clear understanding of your situation before you apply.
Older convictions may carry less weight, especially if you've demonstrated rehabilitation. The SIA considers the time that has passed since the offence and whether you have shown any signs of improvement.
The type of punishment given, whether a custodial sentence, community order, or fine, is assessed differently by the SIA. Serious punishments are more likely to affect your application, especially if there is a history of repeated offences.
If you're unsure, seeking professional advice to understand how your criminal record may impact your eligibility is a good idea. You can also use the SIA's criminal record indicator tool for guidance.
The SIA takes a detailed approach to reviewing criminal records when assessing licence applications. While serious offences like violence, fraud, and theft are likely to affect your application, older offences and evidence of rehabilitation can play a role in the decision. If you have any concerns about how your criminal record may impact your chances, the SIA's criminal record indicator tool is a helpful resource.
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