Private security companies to come under more regular scrutiny

Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan, believes that there should be “on-going checks” of private security services to ensure that the companies are in conformity with the regulations that govern the sector.

The Ministry of Public Security through the Commissioner of the Guyana Police Force is responsible for regularising the private security sector, and issuing licences to private security service providers.

Speaking to members of the media recently, Minister Ramjattan said he would like to initiate “brand new checks” on security firms during the yearly renewal of licences, adding that there needs to be greater monitoring of the companies and the persons behind him.

The Commissioner of Police is the controlling authority with responsibility for licencing and monitoring activities and effectiveness of private security services.

The Commissioner of Police is empowered through the Private Security Services Act of 2009 to recommend to the Minister the standards of conduct, training and level of supervision to be carried out by private security services, arrange for the granting of firearms licences, and the appointment of supernumerary constables.

Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan

Acting Police Commissioner David Ramnarine told the Government Information Agency (GINA) that random checks are often carried out to ensure that the private security sector is in conformity with the Private Security Services Act.

“There may and can be slippages, and that is why a security service may be checked more than once a year,” the Commissioner told GINA in an invited comment on Tuesday. The Commissioner pointed out that in the recent past, he had had to investigate two instances of supernumerary constables accused of abusing their positions.

Security providers will not be eligible for renewal of licences if they are convicted of an indictable offence, falsification of documents, and violation of the provisions of their licence among other requirements as laid out in the Private Security Services Act.