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3 private security firms closed down

ABU DHABI — The Ministry of Interior has closed down three private security firms in Abu Dhabi which had violated the ministry's laws, a senior officer announced here yesterday.

"We have closed down three erring private companies providing security services. They have been found violating the laws regulating private security services in the emirate," said Major Ahmed Mohammed Al Hantoobi, Director of the Private Security Business Section, a department of the Ministry of Interior Abu Dhabi Police.

He, however, declined to disclose the names of the three companies.

On the nature of violations committed by the three firms, Maj. Hantoobi said they ranged between recruiting security guards who were on visit visa, mismanagement of operations, or employing candidates who failed the prescribed exam.

Private security agencies are governed by a set of high-level regulatory standards introduced by the Government of Abu Dhabi two years ago.

The regulatory standards cover all aspects of the industry across the board including the training of staff; licensing of staff, management and companies; security in handling and processing cash; and the armouring of cash-in-transit vehicles.

There are at present nine private security firms operating in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi excluding the three closed companies. A total of 1,800 security guards are employed by these companies.

Private security firms provide services in several areas – cash-in-transit, (which includes the movement of precious metals), the provision of manned guarding services and consultancy covering other security related services. Their customers include the majority of banks, foreign consulates, schools as well as construction and transportation companies.

The security guard's duty is to protect property and people. Usually security guards are uniformed and act to protect property by observing (either directly or through watching alarm systems or video cameras) for signs of crime, fire or disorder; then reporting any incidents to their client, employer and emergency services as appropriate.

Security guards also perform access control at building entrances and vehicle gates by ensuring that employees and visitors display proper passes or identification before entering the facility. They are often called upon to respond to minor emergencies (lost persons, lockouts, dead vehicle batteries, etc.) and to assist in serious emergencies by guiding emergency responders to the scene of the incident and documenting what happened on an incident report.

However, guards are not allowed to be armed and normally not expected to make arrests or otherwise act as police officers, said Maj. Hantoobi.

"They are allowed to carry weapons like pepper spray, batons and handcuffs," Elaborated Peter J. Darcy, Foreign Advisor at the Section.

Maj. Hantoobi said the three companies were granted a two-month grace period to finish their contracts and finalise their procedures regarding dues and status of workers.

Erring security firms are fined Dh20,000 for first violation and Dh50,000 for the second. The company will be closed down after the third violation. Unlicensed firms are fined Dh15,000 for first violation, Dh50,000 for the second and cancellation of licence in case of the third.

Federal law drafted

ABU DHABI — On future plans of the ministry, Major Hantoobi said a federal law on private security firms and services had been drafted by the ministry. Once approved by the Cabinet, the law will govern all security companies operating in the country.

It is expected to be introduced by beginning of next year, he said.

According to Maj. Hantoobi the ministry will also introduce in the second phase of the programme a new system, called "in-house" security. The guard will be employed by the same company or employer. This may include buildings watchmen etc. It is also being planned to impose fines upon erring guards instead of their companies, he said, adding that it will be Dh1, 500 for first violation, Dh1,500 for the second and disqualification after the third.