Japan's Security Services Act (警備業法) sets out the licensing and training requirements for security companies and individual security officers. If you are hiring a security provider in Japan, understanding the basics of this framework helps you ask the right questions and verify that the company you are working with is operating legally.
What the Security Services Act requires ¶
Under the Security Services Act, security companies must be registered with the Public Safety Commission of the prefecture in which they operate. Individual security officers must hold a valid licence, which requires passing a written examination and completing a minimum number of training hours. Companies are required to maintain records of their officers' licences and make them available for inspection.
The four categories of security work ¶
The Act divides security work into four categories: facility guarding (施設警備), traffic and crowd control (交通誘導警備), transport of valuables (貴重品運搬警備), and personal protection (身辺警備). Each category has its own licensing requirements. A guard licensed for facility guarding is not automatically licensed for personal protection work. Ask your provider which categories their staff are licensed for.
What to check before signing a contract ¶
Before signing a contract with any security provider in Japan, ask for: the company's prefecture registration number; confirmation that all guards assigned to your site hold valid individual licences; and the category of licence held by each guard relative to the work they will be doing. A reputable provider will supply this information without hesitation.
Red flags to watch for ¶
Be cautious of providers who cannot immediately confirm their registration status, who are vague about individual guard licences, or who propose to staff your site with workers described as 'trainees' or 'assistants' rather than licensed officers. Subcontracting arrangements can also obscure the licensing status of the people who actually show up at your site.
Grove Vault Zone's registration details and individual guard licences are available to clients on request. If you have questions about what to look for when evaluating a security provider in Japan, our consulting service can help you work through it.