The Tribune

The Bahamas has in recent years seen an explosion of growth in the private security sector. This growth is largely due to the increasing crime rates, expansion of various industries that require basic security controls to operate, and the increase in personal wealth for many Bahamian business persons

In a recent study conducted by The University of the West Indies on Private Security Companies (PSCs) in the Caribbean, it was said: “The growth of the private security industry in the Caribbean over the past two decades appears to have been in response to increasing armed violence and public perceptions of rising violent crime rates.

“That there is a causal link between these factors was one of a number of assumptions that was challenged in the course of the field research undertaken for the project on PSCs in the three Caribbean countries and the policy roundtable that took place in June 2013 to discuss the findings of the draft case studies.

While the number of PSCs operating in the Caribbean clearly has grown, the regulatory regime for PSCs - consisting of legislation, regulations and state-directed bodies to implement policy and oversee PSCs - has not evolved to keep pace. Add to this that in English-speaking Caribbean countries the number of employees in PSCs exceeds the number of police, and that police capabilities are low and often not trusted.

“PSC employees can be armed with small arms or light weapons in the course of their duties, making PSCs a major but inadequately regulated factor in the security architecture of the sub-region. As a result, PSCs represent a potential challenge to the state security apparatus in these countries and the state’s monopoly on the legitimate use of force in properly functioning democracies.

“The privatisation of security services also represents a potential challenge to social equity in Caribbean societies. Physical security is a right that should extend to all citizens. If those who can pay for private security services receive greater protection for their persons and property, then zones of insecurity may be disproportionately expanded to populations and locations that find private security to costly to purchase.”

This trend is now being seen in the Bahamas, where the wealthy and privileged can place their own private law enforcement in place to secure their safety. Another disturbing trend in the Bahamas is the competition between the Royal Bahamas Police and private security providers through the Police Staff Association. As a former executive member of this body, I understand the need for officers to have another source of revenue that can offset, in some cases, dire financial situations. This, though, does not negate the fact that they are already employed and, for the regular security guard, he does not have that safety net. I know I will “mash some corns” on this subject, but most of the owners of security firms complain about this all the time in private.

The university study also noted that because of the largely unregulated private security sector, the trend to employ police and other military personnel is common, as there is no standard training methods. In some countries, security companies are simply registered as commercial enterprises. The Bahamas, as well as Jamaica, however, require companies that engage in security services to register with the ministries responsibly for National Security. This is a proactive approach, but needs to be strengthened in many respects

Managers of most security companies in the Caribbean, for the most part, have a law enforcement background, though this is not a requirement as seen in other jurisdictions. Most security companies require either a formal training in the private security field, industry recognised accreditations from such bodies as ASIS (American society of Industrial Security), as well as some form of military or law enforcement background. Guards and other personnel do not have any basic requirements to be met other than those set by the employer themselves. For instance, to be a security guard in Florida you would have to a take a state-endorsed security guard exam.

The Grand Bahama Commission on Private Security produced a white paper in 2004 on regularising the private security sector. The paper was authored by Cleveland Duncombe, chief executive of Candid Security, and several other members of the Grand Bahama Private Security Commission.

In his paper, he outlined the need for these regulations thus: “Reputable businesses, industries and the Government employ private security firms to protect their property and assets.

“Security, therefore, is essential to the smooth operation of any business. Clients, employers and employees must enjoy a sense of security and well-being in their work environment. A secured property is indicative of a sound business; it affirms that management cares about its reputation, its clients and employees, and their right to personal and physical security.

“One of the specific purposes of a Private Security Regulation Authority Act would be to prepare all officers to meet the minimum national security requirements, and to encourage them to continue their training so as to improve the quality of service they provide.”

The philosophy supporting an Act to regulate the private security industry in the Bahamas is as follows:

a. An uncompromising commitment to the pursuit of excellence by security officers, security employers and all who are associated with the security industry.

b. An appreciation of the rich diversity of the Bahamas and its people, and the responsibility of the security industry to reflect and respond to that diversity with appropriate security strategies and tactics.

c. A recognition of the obligation of all security professionals to understand the terms of their employment and the laws which govern their conduct.

d. A conviction that there must be a connection established between the officer’s action and the employment relationship, especially where the officer’s action may have an adverse effect on the employer’s reputation.

e. A recognition of the obligation of all security personnel to conduct themselves in such a manner as to positively impact their employment and their right to enjoy its benefits.

f. A belief that all people and businesses have a right to protection against illegal activities, assaults, pilferage and fraud, and that security officers must share with the police the responsibility of minimising such acts whether they are on or off duty.

g. A recognition of the security industry in the Bahamas as an integral part of an international industry.

h. A recognition of the benefits of interacting positively and productively with international security organisations.

i. A commitment to those qualities which are recognised and characterised as essential to the personality of a trained and qualified security officer.

With the ever increasing demand for professionally trained security officers a genuine need exists to put clear policies and regulations in place for a fast-becoming essential industry to the security and well-being of our country.

In future articles I will look at what some of these regulations and policies should be, as the time for change is now upon us as an industry.