Why private security guards will soon be armed - MSN

• At least 10,000 police officers have been seconded to guard State installations, overstretching their numbers, which could potentially compromise internal security.
• Through the Private Security Regulatory Authority (PSRA), the government is pushing for private security guards to be well-equipped to handle high-risk assignments.

The government plans to arm private security guards to protect critical infrastructure and free 10,000 police officers to concentrate on their core mandate of safeguarding lives and property.

The move aims to reallocate police resources to address broader national security objectives.

At least 10,000 police officers have been seconded to guard State installations, overstretching their numbers, which could potentially compromise internal security.

Through the Private Security Regulatory Authority (PSRA), the government is pushing for private security guards to be well-equipped to handle high-risk assignments.

PSRA is a government agency that regulates the private security industry according to the Act and the values and principles set out in the Constitution.

PSRA has already drafted a Bill, The Private Security Regulation (Amendment) Bill 2024, which seeks to ensure amendment to the Regulations Act to allow private security guards to be armed.

Once the proposal is approved, the law will authorise the controlled issuance, ownership, and operational use of firearms by private security officers (security guards) assigned to high-risk tasks and critical infrastructure.

PSRA Chief Executive Officer Fazul Mohamed said arming of private guards will be implemented under stringent regulatory supervision, ensuring adherence to established safety protocols for handling firearms and related operational use of firearms.

"Pursuant to Section 45 of the Act, there is a statutory obligation for licensed entities within the private security sector to collaborate with National Security Organs to uphold public order and safety," Fazul said in a letter to the Ministry of Interior.

"Notwithstanding, the potential of this cooperative effort is currently constrained due to the statutory limitations placed on private security personnel regarding the authorization to carry and deploy firearms. This restriction presents a significant challenge to the efficacy of their role in the collective security framework."

He said such high-risk assignments include public spaces characterised by high human traffic, shopping malls, cash in transit, maritime security, critical infrastructure, government institutions and institutions identified with elevated vulnerabilities and security risks.

He said the enactment of the Private Security Regulation (Amendment) Bill 2024 will not occasion additional expenditure of public funds.

"To the contrary, it will facilitate the onboarding of private security officers into the national security infrastructure at zero cost to the government."

According to a proposed cabinet memo, the amendment shall facilitate the issuance, possession and use of firearms by security guards under strict regulatory oversight and compliance with established safety protocols.

He said that currently, more than 10,000 police officers are engaged in providing security services that are defined as private security services under Section 2 of the Private Security Regulation Act No. 13 of 2016.

"These assignments, however, do not align with the fundamental core duties of the National Police Service. This proposed legislative amendment aims to equip private security personnel, thereby reallocating police resources to address broader national security objectives. Consequently, this will liberate in excess of 10,000 police officers, allowing them to concentrate on their core mandate of safeguarding lives and property," Fazul said.

He said a comparative analysis of jurisdictions that allow security guards to be armed offers valuable insights into the efficacy and consequences of such policies.

"For instance, countries like the United States of America and South Africa have embraced the practice of arming security guards to offer services in high-risk sectors such as banks and government facilities," he said.

"In these jurisdictions, armed security guards are often regarded as a critical component of the overall security infrastructure, serving as a visible deterrent to criminal activity and providing rapid response in the event of an emergency."

In the routine performance of their duties, private security personnel frequently form the initial barrier against criminal threats, including acts of terrorism and armed aggression.

"The absence of defensive capabilities and security equipment significantly compromises their ability to safeguard themselves and the public effectively."

"This limitation not only endangers their safety but also impedes their capacity to execute their responsibilities comprehensively of protecting lives and property. In the recent past a number of security guards have been killed while on duty by armed criminals," he added.

The Private Security Regulation (Amendment) Bill 2024 is a strategic initiative aimed at amending Section 53 of the Private Security Regulation Act No. 13 of 2016.

This measure will be implemented under stringent regulatory supervision, ensuring adherence to established safety protocols for handling firearms and related operational use of firearms.

"The issuance of firearms to security guards will be implemented in phases, with priority given to personnel tasked with safeguarding public spaces characterized by high human traffic, shopping malls, cash in transit, maritime security, Critical Infrastructure, Government Institutions and Institutions identified with elevated vulnerabilities and security risks," Fazul said.

These sectors represent high-risk environments where the presence of armed security personnel is paramount for maintaining security and effectively thwarting potential threats.

The state ordered a mandatory registration of private security guards.

Interior Principal Secretary Dr Raymond Omollo said the move was an essential step to foster a higher level of professionalism within the industry.

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