The Private Security Regulatory Authority (PSRA) has proposed law changes under the Private Security Amendment Bill 2024 that if adopted will allow the issuance and operation of firearms by private security personnel.
The regulatory body has cited the lack of defensive capabilities and security equipment as a major hindrance to the performance of their duties, which according to PSRA form the frontline defense against threats including terrorism, robbery, and armed aggression.
“In their daily roles and routine performance of their duties, private security personnel (security guards) form the initial barrier and frontline defence against criminal threats, including acts of terrorism, robbery, and armed aggression,” the statement reads.
“However, the absence of defensive capabilities and security equipment significantly compromises their ability to protect themselves and the public effectively. This limitation not only endangers the safety of these security guards but also impedes their capacity to execute their responsibility of protecting lives and property. In the recent past, a number of security guards have been killed while on duty by armed criminals.”
PSRA has stipulated that the proposed reforms in the sector are aimed at equipping private security guards with the capacity to respond to security threats by availing the appropriate skills and equipment needed for the job.
“As part of the ongoing private security sector reform agenda, the Authority has proposed amendments to the Private Security Regulation Act No.13 of 2016 with a view of empowering and sufficiently equipping the private security guards to possess and use firearms,” PSRA adds.
“The primary intent of this amendment is to equip the private security officers with knowledge, skills, tools, equipment, and capacity to detect, deter, and effectively respond to security threats within their area of jurisdiction.”
Only guards assigned to high-risk areas including cash transit, shopping malls, government institutions, and other critical infrastructure will, however, be authorized with the ownership and operation of firearms.
“Once this legislative proposal is approved, the law will authorize the controlled issuance, ownership, and operational use of firearms by private security officers (security guards) assigned to high-risk tasks and critical infrastructure,” PSRA added.
“Such high-risk assignments include 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.”
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