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The perspectives expressed in these
documents do not necessarily reflect
the official stance of the OAS or its
Member States.
Public Security Paper on Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica and Grenada
INTRODUCTION
The countries of the English speaking Caribbean are characterized by their small size and
population, former colonies of Great Britain, vulnerability to natural disasters and
external shocks, mono-crop societies; with tourism being the mainstay of most of these
economies. Despite their similarities there are many differences among these countries of
the Caribbean and it is sometimes referred to as the most unique region of the world.
These differences can be seen from the size and population of the countries-St Kitts and
Nevis is 69 square miles with a population of approximately 32, 000 people as opposed
to Jamaica which is 10, 991 square miles with a population of approximately 2,700,000
people. Also, among the countries there are varying rates of per capita income, ranking
on the United Nations Human Development Index (HDI), poverty levels, and while most
of the countries are islands or groups of Islands, Guyana is landlocked with Brazil,
Suriname and Venezuela on the South American continent. However, despite their
differences, the countries of the region all face rising levels of crime and violence and the
region has been identified as the most crime prone and violent region in the world, as
highlighted in the recent publication of the joint United Nations Office on Crime
(UNODC) and World Bank report entitled “Crime, Violence and Development: Trends,
Costs, and Policy Options in the Caribbean” This paper is one aspect of the Department
of Public Security (DPS) initiative to assist Caribbean countries in responding to the
increasing levels of crime and violence. This collection of information on selected public
security issues-public security institution, the Police, Private Security and its regulation,
in Grenada, Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago, will be used to analyze the factors which
contribute to the current situation in the Caribbean.
TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO
2. THE POLICE
 Describe the police system (including number of persons, number of persons
assigned to administration, activities that have been completed, special
programs, flowcharts, among others)
The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) has a sanctioned strength of seven
thousand, four hundred and ninety-two (7,492) officers and an actual strength of six
thousand and ninety-nine (6,099). There are presently one thousand, three hundred and
ninety-three vacancies (1,393). There are one hundred and eleven (111) First Division
Officers (officers of the rank of Assistant Superintendent and above). They include a
Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner of Police, seven (7) Assistant Commissioners,
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twenty-two (22) Senior Superintendents, thirty-two (33) Superintendents and sixty-two
(62) Assistant Superintendents. These officers are deployed to manage divisions,
sections, branches and units. The distribution of the sanctioned strength was developed to
ensure that each section is staffed by adequate manpower based on the needs of the
section and manpower strength. The TTPS is augmented by two hundred and ninety
(290) Special Reserve Police (SRP) Officers. There are five hundred and forty (540)
public servants and six (6) contract workers who perform civilian tasks in the TTPS. A
flowchart of the administrative structure of the service exists. A number of special exist
to reduce: crime, gang-related murders and violence, road traffic accidents and the
number of illegal firearms and ammunition. The service is currently undergoing a major
transformation exercise which is being led by Professor Stephen Matroski of the George
Mason University. The main objective of this transformation is to produce a more
professional cadre of senior managers in the TTPS.
 Are there entry requirements?
A candidate for appointment shall:
 Be a citizen of Trinidad and Tobago
 Be required:
1. To pass a medical examination conducted by a Government Medical
officer
2. To pass an entrance examination
3. To pass an interview conducted by members of the Police Service and
a representative
4. To undergo a polygraph test, psychological test and be tested for
dangerous drugs at the cost of the service
 Be of good character as evidenced by a Police Certificate of Character
 Be not less than eighteen (18) years and not more than thirty-five (35)
years of age on the 1st of January of the year in which the appointment is
made
 In the case of –
a. A male, be of good physique and at least one hundred and
sixty-seven centimeters in height or
b. A female, be of good physique and at least one hundred and
sixty-three centimeters in height.
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Be in possession of five (5) General Certificate of Education (GCE) or
Caribbean Examination Council (CXC) passes and
Be in possession of a valid Trinidad and Tobago Driver’s Permit with at
least a Class three (3) endorsement to drive a light motor vehicle.
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 Brief description of the policy of the capacity programs (for personnel
official troops), duration of actual courses.
The actual courses run for six (6) months. They include: Criminal Law, Police Duties,
Laws of Evidence & Court Procedure, Traffic Laws & Duties and Firearm Training.
 What are the strengths of the police?
The Police are trained in the investigation of the crimes, handling firearms and
ammunition and knowledge of the laws of Trinidad and Tobago.
 What are the main problems affecting this policy?
A training venue: The practice of residential training is being reviewed since
decentralized training is more convenient and less costly. However, the focus is still
on dormitory-type training.
 What are the links with the other organizations in charge of public security?
Ministry of National Security – i.e. the Minister as Head of the Security Council,
holds:
a. Monthly meetings with all stakeholders
b. Other meetings that are convened on a regular basis with key security agents
who are members who are members of working groups and task forces
Each police division works closely with regional cooperation and collaborate of security
issues. Their efforts to solve safety problems are coordinated and funded within the
regions.
3. PRIVATE SECURITY
 Regulation of private security services (including laws if this possible).
The Private Security industry is regulated by Chapter 15:02 of the laws of Trinidad
and Tobago. The Commissioner of Police has responsibility for command
superintendence of Private Security (Section 5 Chapter 15:02)
 Variety of regulations (protection of property transport and protection of
persons, local information of physical persons and goods, establishment and
operation of security equipment). Carrying of firearms?
There are two (2) pieces of law, which cover all these activities, Chapter 15:02 of
the laws of Trinidad and Tobago and the regulations made under Section 12 of the
Act.
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 What are the various types of services and applications for private security in
the last decade?
The services include personal protection, escort of prisoners, property protection,
escort of goods and money and insurance investigations (road traffic accidents and
crimes such as larceny).
 How important is this sector?
The sector’s importance has grown in proportion to the increased criminal activity
permeating the society.
 Number of legal companies?
This information can be better sourced from the Ministry of Legal Affairs;
Companies Registrar.
 Brief analysis of the industry (investment, profit and growth in the last year).
The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service is not in a position to analyze the
commercial viability of this commercial enterprise.
4. REGULATION
 Legal activity permitted?
Where private security officers are precepted, they have the power and authority as
members of the Police Service in respect of all offences committed in relation to any
person or any property which they are employed to guard or protect. (Section 7b
Chapter 15:02 refers) The estate can comprise several properties throughout the
islands of Trinidad and Tobago. (Section 14 (1-6) refers)
 Ability to carry firearms?
Private security officers are permitted to carry firearms where they have received the
appropriate training and have been precept by the Commissioner of Police. (Section
10 (1) refers)
 Mechanisms of regulations?
The private security industry is regulated by Chapter 15:02 and its subsidiary
regulations (Section12) of the laws of Trinidad and Tobago.
a) How are they evaluated and monitored?
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They are evaluated and monitored by the senior officers within their companies.
However, the arms and ammunitions used by these companies are checked by
Divisional Heads of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service to ensure that they are
accounted for in keeping with the issuance of firearm licenses.
b) What are the requirements for security officers?
Section 8 (1)
--Over 18 years and under 60 years of age
--Able bodied
--Of good character
Preference shall be given to persons who have previously served in the Trinidad and
Tobago Police Service.
c) What institution is responsible for training?
No particular agency has responsibility for training. Trainers who are hired by
private security companies to conduct training are usually ex-Police officers.
The Police Training College has responsibility for scheduling and correcting the
supplemental police exams. Every private security officer who is to be precepted
by the Commissioner of Police has to write this exam upon payment of a
prescribed fee.
d) Are there any mechanisms for coordinating of national policies?
No, the Ministry of National Security is currently undertaking this exercise.
e) Are there sanctions/punishments for breaking the law?
Yes. Section 17; Chapter 15:02 refers.
 Can Police work as private security? Under what circumstances? What is the
general difference in pay? How is this activity regulated?
Police officers are required by law to refrain from engaging in additional employment
as part of their terms and conditions of employment with the government of Trinidad
and Tobago. Police officers can lawfully be hired to perform security duties at certain
functions. This is done through a facility referred to as “Extra Duty” and such monies
as are required for these services are paid to the Police Service for the use of the
uniforms and equipment belonging to the government of Trinidad and Tobago.
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The performance of “Extra Duty” is done by officers who are not rostered for duty on
the date and time that the security duty is to be performed and must be sanctioned by
the head of the division acting on behalf of the Commissioner of Police.
JAMAICA
Public Security Institution
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1. Jamaica is a democracy with security institutions in place to protect its citizenry,
borders and institutions. The Ministry of National Security is the policy ministry
with portfolio responsibility for public security. There is one main police
institution the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), with an auxiliary Force the
Island Special Constabulary Force (ISCF) which falls under its command.
There is also a military institution, the Jamaica Defense Force (JDF) which has
responsibility for protecting the countries borders, particularly its naval arm, the
Coast Guard. The JDF from time to time assists the JCF in patrols and joint
operations in communities where crime is high and risk is great.
All intelligence agencies of the state are to be found in one or the other Force, but the
JDF does not have policing powers or functions so all intelligence gathered has to be
passed to the police for requisite action to be taken
The Correctional Services Department is the prison authority and is also a portfolio
responsibility of the Ministry of National Security
2. No geo-references in place as yet, but all police stations are linked by a high
frequency radio control system. This information system is also computer linked
between Divisions scattered across the 14 parishes of Jamaica and are usually
located at the Divisional Headquarters of each police division
3. No, but there are means of communication in place, inclusive of regular meetings
between the Minister and the Police Commissioner and Chief of Staff of the
Military.
4. The Ministry of National Security.
5. Since independence in 1962 and prior to that under colonial rule.
6. Recently , the Ministry has been modernized to impact more on the operations of
the JCF in terms of not just administrative and policy setting, but a more stringent
monitoring, particularly on community policing initiatives, social intervention
programs, improving protective security(i.e., increased monitoring of borders,
ports, both sea and air)
7. Coordination of policy initiatives, but the Ministry does not interfere in the
operational techniques and plans of the JCF.
8. Internal civilian programs include policy coordination and development;
►remaining in close contact with senior police officers to ensure policy goals are
understood;
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►Liaise and coordinate crime strategies;
►Administrative functions which include introduction and procurement of new
technologies for the both Forces;
►Assisting in getting new and varied training programs for officers across the region
and other parts of the world
9. These include safe schools initiatives, community social intervention programs to
ensure young men in particular are diverted from a criminal lifestyle
 Assisting communities to set up neighborhood watches
 Closer liaison between the police and the citizens to create an atmosphere of
trust
 Entrepreneurship and skills training
 Increased patrols in communities and areas deemed to be high in crime
10. Local government and the police, particularly in rural communities work closely
together to narrow the attempts by criminals to disrupt the lives of hard working
citizens. By isolating them it reduces the criminal intent in those communities.
11. The Correctional services also work closely with local government to get
prisoners involved in maintaining some communities, such as cutting of brush and
bushes in parks, cemeteries, road verges, painting of schools.
- Other rehabilitation programs include tailoring, woodwork, plumbing, improved
skills training, helping prisoners improving their education skills such as sitting the
Caribbean Examination Council (CXC) examinations, computer training etc...
12. Yes. To widen the scope of skills being taught to prepare them for release, as well
as strengthening their educational background as many prisoners are illiterate or did
not complete secondary education.
13 need for more resources as well as need for more prison space.
14. Evaluation is always ongoing
15 The Private Security industry is regulated by the Private Security Regulation
Authority (PSRA) which is located in the Ministry of National Security
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The Police
1.The Police Force is headed by a Commissioner, assisted by 3 Deputy
Commissioners, Assistant Commissioners of Police, Senior Superintendents,
Superintendents, Deputy Superintendents, Inspectors, Sergeants, Corporal and
Constables. The Force is approximately 8,500 persons but will be strengthened to
12,000 over the next 2-3 years.
Brief History
The Jamaica Constabulary Force was founded following the 1865 Morant Bay
Rebellion, with an establishment of nine hundred and eight four (984) members under
the management of an Inspector General appointed by the British Government. The
first reorganization of this body was in 1948 under the direction of Mr. W. A. Calver
of the London Metropolitan Police who, prior to this was asked to conduct an
evaluation of the Force. His accepting the job of reorganizing the Force along the
lines of his recommendations and thereafter to manage it as its Commissioner resulted
in many changes among which were, the employment of women as police, the setting
up of a Traffic Branch, and the introduction of a formal training program.
Following Independence, the regulations governing recruitments were changed and,
today only Jamaican citizens can serve in the Force. However in many respect the
structure of The Jamaica Constabulary Force remains unchanged; retaining its semimilitary character, with its system of gazetted and non-gazetted ranks.
Duties and Powers of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF)
The duties and powers of The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) are defined and set out
in Section 13 of the Jamaica Constabulary Force Act, and states: "The duties of the Police
under this act shall be to keep the watch by day and night; to preserve the peace; to detect
crime; apprehend or summon before a Justice, persons found committing any offence, or
whom they reasonably suspect of having committed any offence; to serve and execute all
summonses, warrants, subpoenas, notices and criminal process issued by any Justice in a
criminal matter, and to do and perform all duties appertaining to the office of Constable".
Department of Public Security 9
The JCF is responsible for the maintenance of Law and Order, the prevention and
detection of crime, the protection of life and property, the investigation of alleged crime,
and the enforcement of all Criminal Laws.
Structure
There are 19 Police Divisions spread across the 14 parishes, each headed and directed by
a Senior Superintendent. There are 5 main Area Headquarters, managing specific
parishes and areas each headed by an ACP.
There are also specialized Divisions. These include, inter alia
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Organized Crime Investigative Division
National Intelligence Agency
Internal Security
Narcotics Division
Flying Squad
Mobile Reserve
Fraud Squad
Professional Standards Branch
Bureau of Special Investigations
Internal Affairs/Anti-Corruption
Marine Division
Corporate Planning, Research and Development
Forensic Laboratory
Traffic (Motor Patrol) Division
Criminal Record Office
Canine Division
The main special programs are the narcotics and serious crime
initiatives to get he guns off the streets as well as to target the major
players in the gun, ammunition and drug trade (Operation Kingfish).
There is also a special programmed to tackle corruption among
officers within the Force.
Other programs include the tackling of extortion, human trafficking,
improving community policing initiatives, breaking up of car stealing
rings and other organized criminal activity which stem from the
aforementioned such as money laundering
2. The entry requirements are at least 4 CXC’s Ordinary Level passes, with
Mathematics and English being compulsory and no older than 25 years old. There is
also a Graduate Entry Program, which seeks to attract university graduates to the
Department of Public Security 10
officer corp. Those persons, after training, would start as Assistant Superintendents of
Police
3. The course lasts for a minimum of 9 months and all the fundamentals of policing
are taught inclusive of the laws which they need to utilize once they begin interaction
with the public. Weapons training, shooting and all the other routine training
fundamentals are taught.
** The Police Academy is very guarded as to there actual courses, so they cannot
be specifically mentioned in this document
4. The strengths of the police are their weapons training and use thereof, investigative
techniques, knowledge of criminal and court procedures, presentation and preparation
of evidence to public prosecutors and knowledge of the areas in which they work and
where the criminal networks operate from
5. The lack of resources, particularly improved and new technologies, transport issues
and the lack of personnel as the Force is in need of more manpower.
The police and the JDF have a great working relationship and requisite MOU to
govern that relationship. The JDF is always willing to assist the police when
requested in criminal matters.
There is also an excellent relationship with private security companies who help to
serve as “a third eye” for the police in gathering intelligence.
The JCF also works closely with the private sector, local government parish councils,
and the tourism ministry in protecting resort areas, and neighborhood watches in
communities, schools and other community groups across the island. Especially the
youth as there are numerous and active Police Youth Clubs across the island which
interact with the youth and sponsor sports and other community programs.
Private Security
1. As previously mentioned, the sector is regulated by the PSRA under the Private
Security Regulations Act. They also have to comply with the requirements of the
Companies Act
2 They are allowed to carry firearms, but the owners/senior security directors and
managers must apply for the requisite permits for their guards and operational license
Department of Public Security 11
must be up to date. Section 17 of the Private Security Regulation Authority Act of
Jamaica states:
(1) No person shall be registered as a private security guard, whether armed ort
unarmed, unless he satisfies the Authority that he has not been convicted, in the
ten years immediately preceding his application for registration, of any offence
specified in Part 1 of the Third Schedule.
(2) No person shall be registered under this Act as an armed private security
guard unless he has, to the satisfaction of the Authority, successfully completed
the prescribed course of training in the management and the use of firearms.
(3) No person shall be registered under this Act as an unarmed private security
guard unless he has, to the satisfaction of the Authority, successfully completed
the prescribed training course of training.
They conduct numerous functions including protection of private and publicly owned
properties, armored vehicle services, transporting of monetary instruments, personal
protection services, use of dogs, provide security services at public and private
entertainment events, especially large sporting and musical events.
They are also allowed to install security equipment on private properties, for example,
cameras, gate openers, alarms and computer related telephone safety equipment, etc.
Department of Public Security 12
GRENADA
PUBLIC SECURITY INSTITUTION
1. Grenada Police System
The Royal Grenada Police Force (RGPF) has the sole responsibility for border and
homeland security in Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique. It functions under the
Ministry of National Security.
It is managed by the Commissioner of Police and he is supported by an administrative
staff which includes two Deputy Commissioners, two Acting Commissioners of Police,
two Staff Officers and a number of departments which collate and disseminate
information throughout the force.
The Tri- Island state is divided into Four Divisions, Central, Eastern, Western and
Northern Divisions; each is commandeered by a high ranking officer who is supported by
lower ranking officers (NCOs’) and a secretary to receive and disseminate information to
the officer in charge and commissioner of Police.
Departments within the RGPF, such as Immigration, Drug Squad, Criminal Investigation
Department (CID), Special Branch, Coast Guard and other essential units are all managed
by Rank and File members of the RGPF and they are supported by lower ranking officers
(NCOs’) and a secretary to receive and disseminate information to the Officer in Charge
and the Commissioner of Police.
There are nine hundred and ninety four (994) personnel in the RGPF including seventeen
(17) which are assigned to the administration at Police Headquarters. The administrative
personnel at the division and department level are much smaller in numbers.
Ongoing activities in the RGPF are as follows:
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The Drug Abuse Resistance Education Program (DARE): This program initiated
by the Community Relations Department (CRD) targeted Primary schools it is
Department of Public Security 13
now extended to Secondary Schools; the aim of the program is to educate
students on the dangers of prohibited drugs.
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Boys Club Program: This program is managed by Police officers at the Divisions
and Department. The target group is young males at the Primary and Secondary
school level and the aim is to assist the parents and teachers in cultivating good
qualities in the children.
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School Visit Program is a program managed by the RGPF Community Relations
Department (CRD) and network with the Social Services Unit which is under the
ministry of Social Development. The aim is to work along with juvenile
delinquents by providing lectures, presentation and group discussion on issues
affecting youths and possible solutions in solving problems. Focus groups of ten
and more are selected to work with and the Parent Teachers Association (PTA) is
utilized at the group sessions for meaningful discussion and better participation.
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Fire Prevention Program, the Fire Department are continually engaged in lectures
and discussions at schools, hotels, community centers and business places with
the aim of educating the public of the dangers of fires and the appropriate
practices to follow limit the threat.
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Narcotics Education: The Drug Squad conducts lectures upon request to schools
and other learning institutions on drug identification, classification and their
effects.
This department is yet to begin a program it have initiated one year ago to target
communities where the usage of drugs is prevalent the aim is to work with and
educate its populace, especially the youths, on prevention and its effects.
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Special Services Unit (SSU) has initiated a construction program, upon request,
and the availability of their troops, to assist institutions of learning.
2. Entry Requirements
The Commissioner of Police has delegated the authority to the Commandant at Police
Training School to recruit personnel into the RGPF.
The process begins and develops in the following order: Application, Vetting, PreExamination, Interviews, and Physical Examination and finally, Recruitment of
personnel.
The training varies from twelve to eighteen weeks duration, plus a four weeks
training period with the Special Services Unit (SSU), which is not included in the
duration of the recruits training.
Department of Public Security 14
SSU trains the recruits in weapons familiarization and usage, riot drills, land
navigation and other disciplines which would assist them in fulfilling their all-round
police duties.
3. Division/Department Breakdown
This is a distribution of personnel at the Division, Department and units as recorded
early 2007, they are as follows:
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Police Headquarters
Finance Department
Community Relations Department Information Technology Unit
Coast Guard
Financial Investigation Unit
Criminal Investigation Department
Criminal Records Office
Drug Squad
Special Branch
Fire Department
Immigration Department
Special Services Unit
Police Stations All Divisions
Stores/Tailor shop/Cobbler
Government House
Police Band
Port Security
Prosecution
Training School
Traffic Department
Licensing Department/ Center
Police Garage
Radio
Strike Squad
Detached /Non Active
Recruits Attached Later 2007
-17
-04
-04
-07
-35
-06
-37
-08
- 31
-28
-59
- 42
- 81
- 357
- 05
- 16
- 27
- 22
-10
-10
-42
-12
-07
-12
-09
-34
-81
Capacity Building
Department of Public Security 15
The RGPF Administration encourages the Officers at the Division and Departments to
select the most appropriate Police Officers to attend Local, Regional and International
courses in various disciplines.
The training courses are various and intended to fulfill the plan for individual
development and capacity building within the force. They run for duration of six weeks
to fourteen months and some of them are as follows:
Local:
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Emergency Response
Commonwealth Project on Capacity Building
Combating Terrorism
Multi-Hazard & Contingency Planning
Regional:
 RSS Basic Coxswain
 Caribbean Seaport Security
 Airport Drug Investigation
 Security Survey & Risk Assessment
International:
 Information Technology In Law Enforcement
 VIP Protection
 Trafficking in Persons
 Health Care Specialist
 Machinery Technician
Links with Other Organizations
Correspondingly as the RGPF fulfills its mandate to protect life and property and uphold
Law and Order in the land the Laws of Grenada allows the organization to have indirect
links with practically all the Government Ministries, Judiciary, Prisons, Private Securities
and other supportive organizations and institutions.
Private Security
There are no regulations governing Private Security companies in Grenada, although a
draft was created for Cricket World Cup 2007 (CWC ’07), tit still need to be further
discussed, modified and implemented.
There were fifteen (15) Private Security companies in existence during Cricket World
Cup 2007; as they conducted their designated tasks it supported the RGPF at the Stadium
during in many ways.
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Generally, the Private Securities Companies conduct operations in protecting private and
commercial properties, collecting and depositing finances, lookout for theft at business
places, guarding facilities at nights, being guards at functions and other duties which
requires security
To obtain firearms, the Private Security companies follow a set procedure of applying to
the Commissioner of Police and have to meet certain requirements before firearms could
be issued.
Although they do not have the power of arrest as Police Officers, the action taken by
Private Securities when deployed assist the members of the RGPF in identifying and
apprehending offenders.
As a result of the demand for security at newly established businesses security companies
continue to emerge proving that the business is a striving one.
Department of Public Security 17