The Hindu : New Delhi News : Need for private security to fulfil requirements

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Saturday, Nov 25, 2006
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New Delhi

Need for private security to fulfil requirements

Problem is not the dearth of private security but modalities to regulate them, observes Prashant Pandey

A policeman cannot be present in every nook and corner of the Capital and therefore there is a need for private security to fulfil the requirements. But while an Act is in place in this regard since last year, not much seems to have been done thereafter.

To get an idea of the police-public ratio in the Capital, the figures of the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) for the year 2005 reveal that there is only one policeman for every 360 people. Even though the number of vacancies in the Delhi police as per the NCRB figures is only just a little over 4 per cent of the sanctioned strength, it becomes clear that the number of police personnel available for civilian duty -- as against armed police involved in security and other law and order duties -- is far less than required.

On the other hand, the security threat perception has increased manifold over the years largely due to terrorism. It has already been accepted that it would be asking too much of the police to guard every vital installation and other sensitive premises and at the same time perform the usual duties. The acceptance of this fact was evident when the security of important buildings, the airport and other vital installations was handed over to the Central Industrial Security Force.

Another factor that has increased the security requirements is the mushrooming of commercial establishments at an alarming pace. They can become soft targets for terrorists. And with new residential colonies coming up, the need for private security cannot be over-emphasised.

However, the problem is not the dearth of private security agencies but modalities to regulate their operations and ensure that the personnel hired are properly trained and briefed.

An Act in this regard, Private Security Agencies Regulation Act, was passed by Parliament in June 2005. It was acknowledged in the Act that a number of private security agencies were already operating in the country and there was a need to regulate them as they could even have major security implications.

Under the Act, private security agencies would have to get a licence to operate and a controlling authority, not below the rank of the Joint Secretary of the Home Department of the State, would be appointed to oversee their functioning. This officer would have the powers to delegate his responsibilities.

While discussions are on about the rules that would govern the functioning of the security agencies in various States, it appears that one of the bones of contention is the licence-issuing authority and the controlling authority. In Delhi too, private security agency operators say work is on to draw up modules to train security personnel but there is still confusion over the controlling authority.

Some of the private security agency operators argue that it would be ideal if a higher ranked officer were designated as the controlling authority. "Even if licensing is delegated to the Licensing Branch of the Delhi police, regulation goes beyond issuing licence," said one of the private security agency operators.

With no clear data on how many private security agencies are operating in the Capital and estimates varying from several hundreds to a couple of thousands and more, it is obvious that implementation of the Act needs to be speeded up. It would certainly add to the confidence of the clients if they know that the agency they have hired is genuine and would provide the services promised.

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