In the last three years, the Private Security Industry (PSI) contributed to a notable decrease in serious and violent crimes, robberies and break-ins, said Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of National Security, Matthew Samuda. “This downward trend is partly a result of the significant expansion of PSI, with an average annual growth of six per cent in the number of registered private security guards within the last 10 years,” Samuda explained.
He was speaking at a virtual general meeting convened by the Jamaica Chapter of ASIS, an international organisation for security management professionals which was established more than 65 years ago.
The minister pointed out that last July, more than 200 private security companies with staff complements surpassing 21,000 were registered with the Private Security Regulation Authority (PSRA).
“Private security entities have become an integral part of the security landscape in Jamaica, providing a wide range of services that enhance the security of public places, residential areas, workplaces and critical national infrastructure, thereby maintaining an environment conducive for business across all sectors. The industry is not only critical to advancing our national security interests, but also in supporting the country’s economic growth and development,” Samuda said.
He noted that during the past 30 years, the island has experienced a surge in crime and violence, which can be closely linked to the illicit trafficking of firearms and ammunition, illicit drugs trade, financial fraud and extortion. “Private security firms have diversified to offer a variety of services such as CCTV operation and monitoring, aviation and seaport security, risk mitigation and loss prevention, anti-harassment services for the tourism sector, executive close protection, and security analytics,” Minister Samuda added, noting that the PSI evolves with the security needs of the country.
