Security industry to be regulated

 

A modern, legal framework is being developed that would regulate the security industry.

 

This was revealed by the Minister of State in the Office of the Prime Minister, Senator Patrick Todd, who delivered remarks at the Service of Thanksgiving to celebrate 40 years of the Government Security Guards Service yesterday morning at the St. Paul’s Anglican Church.

 

He said that as this country seeks to enhance their overall security, the efforts of private security guards in this goal must not be ignored, as these persons also play a vital role in the attainment of the economic and social goals.

 

“Even as we continually seek to enhance the all-round skills of the Barbados Security Guard Service…we must not overlook the vital complementary role that the private security guards must play in helping this country attain its national economic and social development goals.”

 

As a result, it is with this mind that the Private Investigators and Security Guards Licensing and Advisory Board is presently analysing the current legislation to see how this can be used to develop this framework.

 

One of the key elements in this regard would be the stipulation of minimum training requirements for these officers.

 

“With this in mind, I can tell you that the Private Investigators and Security Guards Licensing and Advisory Board is currently reviewing the present legislation in order to develop a modern legal framework to regulate the security industry. Chief among the requirements will be the provisions to ensure that all security guards undergo minimum standards of training in order to be licensed. This is to ensure that guards can effectively carry out their duties,” Todd said.

 

“Workshops and training sessions were also conducted for senior personnel in the Performance Review and Development System (PRDS) and Emergency Management. Our comprehensive and challenging training will equip personnel with the knowledge and skills necessary to undertake their duties in an efficient, professional and courteous manner.” 

 

Individual security officers are also encouraged to get further training through such institutions as the University of the West Indies, Barbados Community College, the Barbados Institute of Management and Productivity (BIMAP), the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Council and the Samuel Jackman Prescod Polytechnic.