Security firms address needs

THERE are more than 170 security services companies in the country, employing about 6,700 workers.
However, there could be some companies operating “undetected” and the total number of people employed in the industry could be around 10,000.
This was revealed by the Security Industry Authority’s acting registrar, Kingston Isari, at a workshop in Port Moresby on Wednesday.
Isari said the workshop was necessary given the “increased economic activities resulting in rapid growth in the security industry”.
He admitted that there were loopholes in the law as well as “ambiguities” in certain areas, and as a result, the industry could not be properly regulated.
He identified some of the issues as minimum wages, proper screening of security guards, code of ethics and minimum qualifications.
All this had to be addressed, he told the two-day workshop which aimed to obtain views from stakeholders on how best to address the issues and improve the industry.
PNG Constitutional Democratic Party leader Ila Geno, who is the former chief ombudsman, suggested that the companies link up with police in some areas.
“There should also be a uniform minimum national standard for the industry,” he said.
One attendee said the country needed a proper security training institution.
Another participant said there should be a classification of overseas consultants.
Isari said the suggestions and concerns raised in the workshop would considered and efforts would be made to tighten up the Act.