National Police Chiefs’ Council Releases 2021 Update on Security Systems Policy for Security Installers and ARCs

The National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) has recently released an updated revision of the ‘Police Operational Advice and Security industry Requirements for Response to Security Systems’ Policy, replacing last year’s edition.

The document is applicable to all installers and Alarm Receiving Centres in England, Wales and Northern Ireland and is available via the Police Security Systems website.

A summary of the changed sections are listed in the first few pages of the NPCC document and have been communicated to NSI approved companies this week, including a reference document to assist with reviewing the changes.

Some of the key changes include:

• References to BS 8243 and BS 8418 are now undated to allow compliance to all current editions of these standards;
• New guidance relating to bulk transfers or amendments is now included;
• Recommendations relating to the application of a holistic view to cyber security.
• New requirement from 1st April 2022 for installation, maintenance and monitoring companies to hold an official cyber security certification, for example Cyber Essentials.

NSI approved companies should refer to Circular NSI 020 21 in the Company Login area of the website in the first instance. Please contact our Head of Approval Schemes, Matthew Holliday, with any queries.