Government
MOU expected to enhance Relations between Police and Security Firms
By Deandrea Hamilton and Dana Malcolm
Editorial Staff
#TurksandCaicos, March 9, 2023 – A new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) has been signed between security companies and the TCI Government and while it is touted to improve the relationship between the two sectors, questions linger regarding details of the MOU and the potential benefits for security firms and their staff.
Currently, security officers are not allowed to carry firearms unless they are licensed holders themselves, and Tasers are also outlawed even though guards are hired to escort and protect sometimes millions of dollars and high net-worth individuals.
Dr. Virginia Clerveaux, Deputy Permanent Secretary in the National Security Secretariat told Magnetic Media: “The MOU is essentially to professionalise the security services in TCI – improve standard operating procedures: set a baseline for entry into the security service and minimal training requirements.”
She continued explaining that it will also “Improve the relationship between security services and law enforcement: establishment of standards for incident reporting; improved cooperation between security agencies and law enforcement (RTCIPF) towards a safer TCI.”
Previously, the tone of the understanding had been criticised for being lopsided when it comes to benefits and
Still, the announcement from Nigel Dakin, TCI Governor and co-chair of the National Security Council explained the project which has been in the pipeline since 2008 and with this latest move, “will mutually reinforce each other’s delivery through greater collaboration.”
While the Governor did indicate the Council is comforted that the security industry is ‘committing to raise standards of recruitment and employment while also raising standards of training’, there was information missing as to why this assurance was so vital and what National Security is offering for its side in improved skills and capabilities among TCIG paid law enforcers.
Dr. Clerveaux explained the exact parameters of the MOU will ultimately be determined by the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force and the National Security Services Association, leaving to the imagination whether security guards will be used to back up frontline police officers at crime scenes or called in to bolster the manpower of the Force in times of need or shortages.
Amidst the stride, there continues to be a push to amplify the capabilities of security officers. Requests have been made for the security guards to be legally allowed more than batons when they are increasingly facing showdowns with unyielding criminal assailants, often popping-off high-powered weapons, though unprovoked.
TCI law dictates that only licensed individuals will be allowed to carry weapons legally. Security firms want to be legitimately granted permission to have trained guards, able to possess firearms for company purposes.
However, it seems this is not a move ready to be embraced as the NSS has offered an alternative; that companies can support the applications of their own operatives; an application which is weighed by members under the guardianship of the Royal TCI Police.
Legally licensed individuals creates separate challenge, not least of which is the fact that individuals could for any variety of reasons, separate from the security firm; it results in a security company losing the armed guard service and yet another individual licensed independently to lawfully carry a gun.
The Governor, in embrace of the potential of the partnership, “ “With the MoU signed the Commissioner will be calling an early meeting with industry leaders to generate a package of greater collaboration.”