Cambodian National Police Chief Sar Thet has issued a stern warning regarding the use of official police uniforms, insignia and equipment by private security service providers, whether real or merely resembling those used by state authorities.
The warning comes following reports that some private security firms and establishments employing security guards in Phnom Penh and other provinces have been using attire or equipment similar to that of traffic police and other law enforcement agencies.
On Thursday, Gen Thet issued a directive mandating that private security agencies, enterprises and establishments adhere to regulations concerning the use of uniforms, insignia and equipment.
The directive specifies that these entities must seek approval for their uniforms, insignia and equipment designs, ensuring that they do not imitate those of traffic police or other state agencies.
The directive clearly prohibits the use of any uniforms, insignia or equipment that too closely resembles those used by traffic police, the armed forces or other state institutions, as outlined in Article 16 of the Sub-Decree on the Management of Private Security.
Private security providers with uniforms similar to those of state forces must modify their attire and seek approval through the Department of Private Security Management and the Capital and Provincial Police thereafter.
Gen Thet added that any unauthorised use of state-like uniforms, insignia or logos will result in legal consequences for the involved private security providers and related entities.
