7 private security firms to lose licences
Police is set to release a list of seven private security companies whose licences have been cancelled over failure to meet guidelines on handling firearms. The list, according to police spokesperson, Fred Enanga, will release the list next week.
Over the years, police have monitored several firms, many of which it has been established that they do not adhere to the set guidelines relating to storage, transportation and handling of firearms.
“We are concerned with an increase in the number of incidents resulting from poor handling of firearms by private security organisations. Many of the private security guards have been cited in attacking each other, committing crimes and violence against their clients at factories, homes and betting companies among other places,” Fred Enanga said. Enanga explained that there is a rise in crimes committed by security guards using firearms.
According to Enanga, they have directed police commanders to arrest individual private security guards moving alone with guns and those using boda bodas.
He also noted that the force has written to the association of private security firms to intensify supervisory measures to guard against incidents of negligence. Enanga further stated that territorial commanders have been directed to arrest guards moving alone and to as well confiscate poorly handled firearms by these security guards.
Police’s mouthpiece further said that they have compiled a list of seven security firms which are being vetted with intensions of having their licences cancelled and that an additional twenty firms are being evaluated for suspension for a period that would be specified.
Police have also emphasised the involvement of Crime Intelligence Directorate in doing background checks on all private security firms to facilitate the process of suspending or/and cancelling of licences of those that have not adhered to the guidelines.
