Regulating private security services

Clarence WELIKALA

The contents of this article on Commercial and Industrial Security is aimed at developing and sharing knowledge, ideas and insights towards increasing understanding of how those responsible can plan and implement strategies that enhance ‘Employability of Personnel in the Security Trade’.

An Amendment to the existing Regulation of Private Security Agencies (Act No.45 of 1998), should be tabled by the Ministries of Defence and Labour to legislate the functions and wages of all categories of security personnel which hitherto has not been considered.

A wide range or spectrum of initiatives with specific guidelines need to be envisaged and formulated to develop and test new, co-ordinated methods and approaches which hold considerable promise for building and sustaining improvements in the sphere of Commercial and Industrial Security on a wide scale.

To attract employment opportunities, a description of the basis for the working hypothesis for expanding the quality of learning opportunities vis-a-vis training facilities should be devised on provincial and or islandwide basis.

One of the pillars of the working hypotheses is to lift the quality of instructional technique which is crucial to attract probable ‘Security’ students frequently enough to realize benefits.

The resources to meet this desired end will require thorough management expertise, full-time qualified instructors and staff and consistent attendance.

The objective

The Principal objective of any security system, apart from the definition i.e. “security is the science of protection of persons and property and the prevention of any wanton harm or damage to them which could extend even to total destruction of property or death to persons”, is to prevent loss.

Whether that loss is due to theft, misuse, fire, floods or whatever cause, its uncontrolled continuance will ultimately lead to loss of profitability. When competing for financial stability, one should take cognizance of the fact that although the Security System may not positively generate finance the security system contributes to the profitability of the company.

The role of security

The role being played by security personnel covers the protection of personnel and buildings and equipment, prevention of crime, first aid and fire fighting.

Today, with the numerous years of experience and expertise gained by security personnel, the concept of security in its present context merits recognition as a professional entity.

Security personnel are highly trained, disciplined in behaviour, conduct and bearing and execute given tasks basing their knowledge on verifiable fact, thus proving their calibre and competence in a job where multifarious activity exists.

Special emphasis should be made on the role of security personnel as explained above, on tighter relevant duties, viz. static duties; protection of establishments, personnel and equipment; prevention and detection of crime; maintenance of order and discipline; searches; supervising, loading and unloading of goods, escort duties, recording movement of vehicles; conducting investigations into shortages, pilferage and fraud; collating and communicating intelligence; fire prevention and fire fighting duties; safety and first aid measures; and any other function connected to the security of the establishment.

The mission of security

For an organization to be preserved, it needs a firm and stable rational foundation coupled with a clear vision of the defined objectives to be achieved. In the sphere of Commercial and Industrial Security, the mission is to ensure the provision of optimum security for that particular institution, establishment or organization it serves, and to achieve the objectives specified and identified. It is, therefore, evident that a mission at all times - whatever the circumstances - a set of laid down strategies to realize the identified objective.

It is a common knowledge that a mission represents the conspicuous features of managements, viz. men, material and money and of course, the added ingredient of sophisticated advanced technology.

However, a consolidated effort should be made to mould integrity and professionalism with a view to achieving desired results.

The Concept

Undertaking responsibility for provision of a professional security system is twofold: one, is to provide an efficient service and two, to relieve the Police and Armed Forces of low priority duties during crisis periods experienced by the State. Another significant factor is that the Private Sector should divest themselves of this tremendous responsibility and concentrate solely on productivity which is the core issue, and other related administrative functions.

Vulnerability and risk

In spite of confused perceptions about the notion of vulnerability, this expression has helped clarify the concepts of risks and disaster. For a long time, these two concepts were associated with a single cause: and inevitable and uncontrollable physical phenomenon.

Vulnerability may be defined as an internal risk factor of the subject or system that is exposed to a hazard and corresponds to its intrinsic predisposition to be affected, or to be susceptible to damage.

In other words, vulnerability represents the physical, economic, political or social susceptibility or predisposition of a community or organization to damage. A viable means of combating such situations is via an efficient security network.

Identifying causes and characteristics of those natural and other phenomena which could cause disasters, and of the measures to be addressed to reduce or eliminate their impact, is considered essential.

Terrorism

With the eradication of the terrorist menace, the Governments is pursuing development activities at a pace. With a view to committing the military strength at the disposal of the Government, the Armed Forces and the Police should be relieved of any mundane duties and tasks they perform, and these tasks should be transferred to reliable and efficient Commercial and Industrial Security agencies with a proven track record. In this connection, the Industrial Security Foundation could make an assessment by calling for applications from them.

They will then be short-listed and interviewed prior to selection.

Integrated disaster management

Disaster response and recovery efforts require timely intervention and co-ordination of public emergency services in order to save lives and property, and there is an ever-growing need to increase efficiency and effectiveness in coping with disasters, especially during the response and recovery phases.

Organizational structures should be set up on a provincial basis islandwide to strengthen precautionary measures to meet or counter disasters. Personnel should be specially nominated to be on duty (24 hours) in order to collect, collate and provide information without delay.

Manpower is a vital pre-requisite. Preparedness aspects allied to Disaster Prevention and mitigation is of paramount importance. There is a veritable need for the active participation and dynamism of every ‘security’ individual to contribute with a view to ensuring that every citizen is protected within the law of the land.

Commercial and Industrial Security personnel should be made fully familiar of existing knowledge of the causes and characteristics of those natural and other phenomena which can cause disasters, and of the measures that can be taken to reduce or eliminate their impact.

Fundamentals for success

In training of personnel and developing their knowledge, education, training, training facilities and skills, course content should be relevant and practical. Some of the basic conditions would be: a clear mission, high expectations and social norms; a safe environment; supportive emotional climate; suitable and adequate enrolment; stable, trained personnel; appropriate content and pedagogy (science of teaching); maintenance of high standards and accountability; and regular assessments and appraisals .

An important initial step to achieve success is codifying the meaning of quality through acceptable standards, adopting programmes assessment tools, and then working towards programmes meeting required standards.

Training

To be an efficient member of a Security department, Security personnel must receive some degree of training. Any form of training should have aims and objectives, and security training is no exception.

Aims such as higher training (achievement) in the job when training is completed and improved staff relationships to ensure consistent performance; and objectives such a maintaining a consistent role, developing and understanding of the role of security within the company need to be spelled out and achieved.

Also providing an efficient service to the employer by reducing losses from whatever causes, by enhancing industrial harmony and providing a safe and secure base from which to increase the profitability of the company are imperatives. Standardisation of training to meet current needs is of paramount importance. The services of a committee comprising of reputed professionals in the security arena should be availed of to draft and prepare syllabi for training security personnel. The final document should be tabled to the Industrial Security Foundation for sanction, and onward transmission to the Secretary, Defence Ministry for authentication. The above procedure should be strictly adhered to when futuristic amendments need to be made for incorporation in the syllabi.

Educational techniques

It is common knowledge that adults are more self - directed in their learning and have a greater need to know why they should learn. Learning should be applicable to the learner’s work or to other responsibilities valued by the learner. Thus, it is important that the instructor knows the learner’s needs and learning activities that are relevant to those needs. The learner should be actively involved in learning, with the instructor acting as a facilitator.

The instructor should recognise that adults have different learning styles and should tailor instruction to the characteristics ways adults prefer to learn. The dominant method of teaching - by feeding facts to students - needs to be replaced by a new method that engages students in the learning process and develops minds by encouraging problem solving, decision making and creativity.

The ideal instructors and teachers will be those professionals who have retired from the Armed Forces and Police.

Decentralised training

Basic, on the job, refresher specialized and supervisory training in security for all grades of security cadres should be conducted at recognized training establishments, institutions and academies on a national scale by competent instructional staff.

Planning of training programmes in keeping with duties security personnel are required to perform; background knowledge in understanding what is required of them; lectures; demonstrations; case studies; and films or audio visual aids are methods of training that could be used.

Evaluation and follow-up of training is important to identify well- disciplined officers; reduced training time; improvement of morale; reduction in absenteeism and grievances; physical fitness and maximum efficiency.

Certificate of competence

Having completed the formal security training course - and on successful completion of same - the issue of a Certificate of Competence in the form of a Licence should be considered.

This licence will help security personnel to gain professional recognition, be successful in their attempt to seek employment and be proud of their vocation.

Companies should be advised not to, under any circumstance, recruit “unlicensed” personnel to perform security duties on legislation being passed.

It will be relevant to mention that the Registrar of Motor Vehicles issues certificates of competence to those who successfully complete driving courses, and hotel schools do likewise to those in the hotel industry.

Awareness and performance

Prospective Security candidates should be aware of the future they desire, the world they dream of and the career they wish for. Through the medium of training , they should be made aware of the expectations from them, such as patrolling to ensure perimeter defence coupled with the security of the entire premises, the need for detections, relevant searches, investigative procedures, fire, first aid, and safety measures, which activities require constant observation with a view to determining protection of personnel and premises.

In addition, instructional classes by eminent professionals should be conducted on the subject of basic legal limitations in the execution of their duties.

Discipline -wise, Security Standing Orders encompassing company rules, regulations and instructions should be promulgated and enforced, so that the much needed awareness is inculcated in the minds of Security personnel pertaining to the role they are required to play.

Performance should be monitored closely, analysed and assessed with positive avenues of advancement coupled with increment of wages with a view to getting the best out of employees. In short, it is absolutely necessary that security personnel are paid a healthy wage plus something extra in special cases.

The implementation plan

When engaging in the preparation of the policy document, it is of utmost importance to plan strategy, conduct surveys and create awareness. Due cognizance should be taken of the development of training and communication processes - not forgetting facilitator training and instructional technique - with futuristic scope for advance improvement initiatives and training. This procedure will help to reinforce the successful implementation of the policy document.

Wages, fringe benefits and facilities

The wages in respect of the Security Trade must be more realistic and it should be on par commensurate with the tasks and responsibilities cast on security personnel. Salary scales should be structured in keeping with relevant ranks of security personnel, and on par with that of officers employed in the Armed Forces and Police.

Better salary scales will automatically attract the ideal personnel for employment in civil security.

Facilities such as transport are essential if attendance and punctuality standards are to be maintained. A strong case should be made by Chairmen, Managing Directors, Chief Executive Officers and Proprietors heading security organizations to obtain concessionary travel rates and fares for their employees who use either public or private transport by soliciting the support and assistance of the Industrial Security Foundation.

The issue of periodical season tickets will be a step in the right direction.

Providing medical facilities via Health Insurance schemes from reputed Insurance Organisations will be of immense benefit. Initiating a Death benefit scheme for employees to include their immediate family members will certainly be an added attraction. Maintaining a Benevolent Fund to grant loans up to manageable proportions at very low interest rates, will be encouraging.

Facilities such as proper changing rooms and personal lockers, easy access to toilets and drinking water, canteen, adequate and applicable furniture and effects will, in the final analysis, portray their status quo and give them the desired recognition which they veritably deserve.

An equilibrium should be maintained in administrative leave entitlement in accordance with the Shop and Office Employees’ Act, and should be enforced rigidly to avoid discrimination.

It is advisable to recruit cadres in close proximity to the location where the security network is being operated. However, should the necessity arise for cadres to be recruited from outstations, accommodation and meals (at subsidized rates) should be provided.

Security manual

A revised, standardized edition of the Security Manual to suit the requirements of establishments should be compiled on broad subjects such as administration, organization, discipline, wage scales, welfare and other relevant important aspects allied to the security network.

This manual, incorporating current procedures and needs will be a worthy contribution towards proper planning, astute management, effective control of security and will create better awareness of security functions.

The draft document should be prepared and submitted to the Defence Ministry for sanction and subsequent implementation.

The manual will, essentially, ensure that security personnel will not only be familiar with the information provided, but also ensure optimum performance in their day to day security functional role.

Preparation of a policy document

A panel comprising eminent, knowledgeable and competent professionals who have served in the Armed Forces and Police should be invited to draft a policy document covering all aspects of security. The effective presentation of ideas and proposal is an important element of the exercise in question.

They should endeavour to prepare and present conclusions in a manner that is informative, realistic and persuasive. Careful consideration of both the content and manner of presentation is an essential prerequisite.

The policy document on Commercial and Industrial Security should be designed for presentation to the Ministry of Defence and Labour for legislation through the medium of an Act of Parliament.

Relevant administrative and operational spheres allied to the role of security should be identified and described in detail, with emphasis on Human Resources, Logistical Support, Estimated Financial requirements and the Legal Framework.

Professionalism in security

An imminent need is prevalent for security personnel to be recognized as professionals. To fulfil this need, it is incumbent upon security organisations to deploy their best and most dependable staff under specialized supervision at institutions where security coverage is required.

Those engaged in the professional field of security should ensure that they provide well- trained, well - disciplined and mature security personnel who would discharge their responsibilities with a sense of pride, dedication and devotion to duty.

Security personnel must be of unquestionable integrity, be physically fit and of reasonable intelligence. These characteristics will help tremendously in the useful but delicate role they play, be loyal to their employers and have pride in their status. Security consciousness should constantly be cultivated and nurtured in the minds of the public via publicity in the print and electronic media.

By projecting a new generation of security professionals via an Amendment to the existing Regulation of Private security Agencies (ACT No. 45 OF 1998) on the guidelines tabulated above, a new and promising era with encouraging career and professional status awaits all those seeking employment in the sphere of Civil Security.

Security has a positive role to play, and it must be addressed effectively and within the ambit of its proper and legitimate sphere.

(The writer is a former senior manager of Unilever (Ceylon) Ltd.)