Security companies must get licence

(CNS): Police are reminding security companies, security technicians and security guards that they are required to be registered with the licensing unit, and that their temporary licences will expire on 27 February. This measure has been put in place not only to protect companies and members of the public but also to enable the regulatory body to ensure that satisfactory employment conditions and rights are implemented and maintained within the industry.

The Royal Cayman Islands Police Service (RCIPS) created a Security Licensing Department in response to the Private Security Services Law (2007), which came into effect on 1 September 2008. The law regulates the security industry to ensure the highest standard of service delivery. It also requires security companies, technicians and guards to be licensed with a regulatory body.

The Security Licensing Department, headed by Chief Inspector George Watson, comprises a Security Licensing Administrator (to whom all queries should be addressed) and a Senior Police Constable. The Department is currently receiving applications from security companies, security guards and security technicians.

Licences will be provided to companies that comply with all relevant laws, such as the National Pensions Law, the Health Insurance Law, the Labor Law and the Immigration Law. To date, the majority of recognized companies in the Cayman Islands have been working with the Security Licensing Department to comply with all the necessary terms and conditions necessary for licensing.

Anyone operating a security service who has not yet contacted the department should do so immediately by calling 945 4924, ext. 5912. CI Watson said, “Security companies, security guards and security technicians who have not yet come forward, must do so without further delay.”

Relevant fees must be paid at the Criminal Records office located at the George Town Police Record. The fees are as follows: Company License/Corporate Body CI$750.00; Security Technician CI$100.00; Security Guards CI$100.00.

Security companies, technicians and guards that operated prior to the introduction of the Private Securities Services Law were allowed to function under temporary licences that will expire on 27 February. CI Watson added, “All Security companies, security guards and security technicians should send their applications to the Security Licensing Department no later than February 27th in order to avoid being in breach of this Law.”