Businesses employ unlicensed security personnel

(CMR) The RCIPS said checks conducted at business establishments, including nightclubs and bars, revealed several businesses were in breach of the Private Security Services Act by employing security personnel who were not licensed or whose licenses were expired.

Businesses and persons operating a Security Company or working as a technician or guard are reminded that it is an offense for any security business, technician, and guard to operate or work unless he/she is the holder of a license, authorizing him/her to do so.

The Commissioner of Police is the authorized statutory authority to issue such licenses. Renewals of licenses shall be lodged no later than thirty days before the expiration of the current license. Those operating without the necessary approvals have committed a criminal offense.

Further, the holder of a security business license who ceases to be engaged in the business of providing security guards shall, within seven days of the cessation of engagement, forward to the Commissioner both his/her license and the licenses of his/her employees.

It is also important to reinforce that the law requires every security technician and security guard, while on duty, to carry his/her license and to produce it for inspection at the request of any constable or other person having reasonable grounds to require its production. It’s an offense if a security guard or technician contravenes this requirement.

Businesses, security companies, and security officers wishing to apply for a security license or to renew an expired license are encouraged to visit the RCIPS website at https://www.rcips.ky/forms/, to fill out and submit the recommended application forms. The application forms also provide you with instructions on how to go about submission, the associated fees, and methods for payment.

It is against the law to have unlicensed and expired security officers operating in any capacity, and any business or person found in breach will be subject to prosecution. Going forward, RCIPS will be conducting regular inspection checks across the Cayman Islands to ensure full compliance with the provisions of the Private Security Services Act.