Number of Licenced Security Professionals Reaches Record High

Figures published by the Private Security Authority (PSA) show that 41,679 individuals held official security licences at the end of 2024, an increase of 16.75% from the previous year. This marks a significant milestone for the sector, representing the highest number of licensed security professionals since regulations began. The findings are included in the PSA’s 2024 Annual Report, which outlines another year of strong progress across the private security sector.

The report also shows that turnover of the 1,389 private security businesses it regulates rose by 6.3% in 2024, reaching €1.07 billion. This is the second year in a row that the industry surpassed the €1 billion mark.

The Private Security Authority today published its Annual Report along with its Financial Statements for 2024. Commenting on the Report, John Phelan, Chief Executive of the Private Security Authority, stated:

“The private security industry is performing well and continuing to grow year on year”. He added: “The Private Security Authority is playing its part in protecting the public by regulating the private security industry through raising standards, increasing awareness and enforcing compliance.”

As part of the report, Chief Executive, John Phelan also acknowledged those whose support has been crucial to the PSA’s achievements:

“I wish to acknowledge the support of the Minister for Justice, Jim O’Callaghan, the Department and An Garda Síochána, the security industry, and all who have contributed to our work over the past year. The support, cooperation and assistance of our stakeholders is fundamental to our work and critical to the achievement of successful outcomes.”

The Report illustrates another year of strong progress in achieving goals outlined in its Strategic Plan 2023–2025. Over the course of the year, licensing was extended to individuals in the Enforcement Guard sector, and the development of a new standard for Suppliers or Installers of Safes was progressed.

Speaking about the report, Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, Jim O’Callaghan, said:

“The private security industry plays an important role in protecting personal safety and assisting in crime prevention across the country. The PSA’s ongoing work should enhance public confidence and consumer protections in the security industry.”

The compliance and enforcement work of the PSA also intensified. The PSA made unannounced visits to over 1,642 business premises, an increase of 22% on the previous year. The PSA’s compliance and enforcement work also resulted in 4 successful prosecutions in the courts and saw 7 contractor licenses and 35 individual licenses revoked.

2024 in numbers:

  • 41,679 individuals and 1,389 contractors licensed at year’s end.
  • 16,543 applications were processed in 2024.
  • 1,642 unannounced inspections on business premises.
  • 805 enforcement cases were opened.
  • 4 successful prosecutions concluded.
  • 7 contractors and 35 individual licences were revoked.
  • 3 contractor and 6 individual licences were temporarily suspended.
  • 39 enforcement notices issued to licence holders.
  • 41,679 individuals were licensed at the year’s end – an increase of 16.75% from 2023 and the highest number since licensing began.
  • 751 intelligence reports were received in 2024 (26.86% more than 2023).
  • 1,651 contractor sectoral licences (a contractor may have licences for more than one sector) were in issue at the end of 2024 including:
    • 972 (58.87%) for the electronic security sector
    • 203 (12.30%) for the locksmith sector
    • 183 (11.08%) for the security guard sector
  • €1,573,284 was received in contractor license fees in 2024 (€1,545,338 in 2023 and €1,446,986 in 2022 – the comparable year in the 2-year licence cycle).
  • €1,783,739 was received in individual license fees in 2024 (€1,749,759 in 2023 and €1,185,171 in 2021 – the comparable year in the 3-year licence cycle).

ENDS