Considered one of the fastest evolving industries the world over, the growth of private security, especially after 9/11, is directly related to serious concerns about crime, vandalism and incidents of terrorism in Pakistan. Established mostly by retired defense forces and police officers with meager financial resources, most companies not surprisingly lack the advanced technical know-how and expertise necessary for providing requisite services to a variety of clients. Their quality, that of their employees, their conduct and performance thereof has suffered in the “free for all” environment of “cutthroat” competition. No appropriate mechanism exists presently to monitor either the security-related skills of their employees, the verification of their antecedents and the training being imparted. Neither is there any mechanism to protect the legitimate interests and concerns of the security companies. Honourable exceptions aside, all this exists in theory, in actual practice this is a joke. The mechanism to implement the laws does not exist.
Responsible as a body for regulating the private security industry, the British Security Industry Authority (BSIA) independently reports to the British Home Secretary under the terms of the “Private Security Industry Act 2001”, BSIA’s mission is to regulate the private security industry effectively; to reduce criminality, raise standards and recognise quality service. BSIA has two main functions, (1) compulsory licensing of individuals undertaking designated activities within the private security industry and (2) managing the voluntary Approved Security Guarding Scheme, which measures private security suppliers against independently assessed criteria. In order to maintain approval an approved company must re-register every year and renew approval every three years. This process means that even approved companies are independently assessed on an annual basis. Licensing ensures that private security operatives are ‘fit and proper’ individuals who are properly trained and qualified to do their job. It is a criminal offence in UK and US to engage in licensable conduct without a licence.
The tremendous advancement in the electronic security field has left our private security companies struggling for maturity in terms of volume and variety of services delivered. An autonomous Regulating Authority must be set up for the regulating and monitoring of an industry that has grown phenomenally without commensurate and meaningful checks and balances. Functioning at the federal level the proposed Security Industry Authority of Pakistan (SIAP) would have presence in all four provinces, AJK, FATA and the Northern Areas, it being essential to maintain uniformity of rules, regulations and standards of performance and database of all personnel involved in the private security industry at a national level. The primary function of SIAP will be to develop the industry to international standards. Technical and financial assistance must be taken from countries such as UK or USA which already have well developed regulatory frameworks and organizations dealing with the private security sector.
The task of this Authority will be multifarious, companies must comply with the lawful requirements of wages and safety practices; and after being given fair advance warning to adhere to the law be held accountable thereof. BSIA designates accreditation and has evolved a code of conduct that is binding over security firms and their employees. The major business functions of our SIAP would be to (a) Develop and implement uniform procedures for registration and licensing of private security firms in the entire country within the overall framework of the provincial laws (b) Set-up standards/benchmarks for technical and financial resources required for setting-up and operation of security firms (c) Develop and implement training programs and certifications for all personnel involved in security business such as owners, all levels of management, junior executives, staff and security guards employed for various types of security duties through selected partner training organizations belonging to defense forces, civil defense organizations, Police, Rangers, and private sector, etc (d) Develop and maintain a comprehensive database of all personnel involved in the security business, regularly updated to ensure that it is current at all times (e) Issue security clearance and separate ID cards for all personnel related to the security business (f) Develop and ensure implementation of best HR practices (g) Maintain regular interaction with the clients of security firms for monitoring delivery of committed level of their services (h) Conduct out-reach and promotion seminars, conferences, workshops, TV shows etc. to develop security consciousness amongst the general public (i) Develop and implement standards for uniforms, weapons, ammunition and security equipment for use by security firms (j) Conduct medical examination of all security personnel annually and to issue medical clearance certificate through partner medical institutions (k) ensure “security guarding” by a competent professional firm like PACRA to correctly evaluate and grade the competence of companies (l) Collect fees and user charges for registration, renewal of licenses annually, trainings and certification of security personnel, medical examinations, etc (m) Provide advice to the Federal and Provincial Governments on matters relating to private security firms (n) In collaboration with Ministry of Labor, Manpower and Overseas Pakistanis promote export of quality manpower to select countries and (o) Maintain a security Research and Development (R&D) fund receiving contributions from the government and international agencies as well as annual contribution from security firms.
The proposed Authority should be established as a statutory organization, be fully autonomous and financially viable after initially getting funding from the Federal and Provincial governments to meet its establishment expenditures. Generating revenue through collection of various types of fees, certifications, renewals, trainings, etc, the Authority’s Board of Directors most would include representatives of Federal Ministries of Defense, Interior, Finance, Ministry of Labour, Manpower & Overseas Pakistanis, Provincial Home Departments, Pakistan Banks Association, Insurance Association of Pakistan, two representatives of APSAA and four prominent members of academia.
The Regulatory Authority must identify clear standards and binding legal frameworks under which transparency and accountability across the sector for the industry must be ensured. Licensing, monitoring, scrutiny of annual reports, public complaints mechanisms and interaction with other democratic institutions (Ombudsmen, courts, etc), will be core functions of the Authority. The SIA will ensure that using of unfair business practices will be eliminated. To implement this proposal one must hire services of consultants to (a) Draft the Ordinance for establishing SIAP for review by the Ministry of Law and Parliamentary Affairs (b) Draft rules and regulations for accomplishing the mandate & functions of SIAP (c) Develop the organization structure (d) Propose names of the Board members. (e) Assist in obtaining technical assistance from similar regulatory bodies from UK, USA or any other friendly country and (f) Work closely with the Board and the management for establishing a functional SIAP.
SIAP will ensure clients pay minimum required fees to the security providers enabling them to give an adequate pay package to their employees and look after their welfare and well-being. The inherent accountability will work both ways. A sound regulatory mechanism with “security grading” inherent will ensure that not only customers will benefit from a better standard of security service from PACRA graded security companies, and the industry function with efficiency and commitment in the present abysmal state of law and order, but more importantly, have means and method of redress should their provider not perform up to the laid down acceptable standards.
Courtesy: The News
