Security agencies under scanner

Security agencies under scanner
Background Verification For Guards
Preetu Nair | TNN

Panaji: Irrespective of how well established they are, security agencies in the state will have to queue up for fresh licenses shortly.
The Private Security Agencies Rules 2008 announced in a government gazette is expected to be notified in a week’s time.
It states that all agencies offering security services have to secure a licence from the special secretary (home) who has been appointed as the controlling authority.
In the past such licences were issued by municipal authorities and often led to the mushrooming of fly-bynight agencies which in turn caused “severe security threats”, said top police officials.
Speaking to TOI, controlling authority Diwan Chand said, “Even if the agencies have been doing business they have to take a (new) licence to operate. The fees for issue of licence is Rs 5,000 if operating in one district and Rs 10,000 if operating throughout the state. It is valid for 5 years.”
He added that the licence would be granted only after the district superitendent of police verified the credentials of the agency owners, checked if they possess skills or qualifications to operate an agency and confirmed that the business was not prejudicial to national security or public order.
Under the rules, the background and character of every security guard would also have to be verified by the police within 30 days if the guard is from Goa or 90 days if from outside the state.
All guards including ex-servicemen and former police officers would have to be given classroom and field training.
Apart from basic skills they would be trained in crowd control, identification of improvised explosive devices as well as handling and operation of non-prohibited weapons and firearms.
“We want security agencies to employ duly verified security guards so that they can offer protection rather than become liabilities to the police or threats to society,” said director general of police B S Brar who has been pushing for this notification with the home ministry.
Adding that such checks help to catch criminals guised as security guards and deter guards from indulging in crimes Brar said, “If security personnel are properly trained in handling arms we can even thwart any kind of criminal design, including terrorism.”
He admitted that the police are unaware of the number of private security agencies operating in the state and the skill levels of the guards.
Sources in private security agencies revealed that at present anyone with even a little experience or knowledge of this industry launched a company after securing permission from municipal authorities.
“There are about 20 successful establishments in the state, but 100 small time operators sign up every year along with a few fly-by-night operators,” informed a security agency officer.
He goes on to say that only 10 percent of Goans worked as security guards whereas the majority of them are hired from Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Orissa, Karnataka and Assam. The rules are part of the Private Security Agencies (Regulation) Act 2005.
What’s in store?
All private security agencies to seek fresh license from government This license is valid for a period of 5 years All private security agencies’ owners and employees to be verified Police have to verify background and character of a person within 30 days if from Goa or 90 days if from outside the state All private security guards would be trained, some in using firearms