Stricter criteria for private security firms

PARLIAMENT yesterday wrapped up discussions on a legal amendment to improve laws relating to private security firms.

The actual law, which calls for stricter criteria when security guards are employed, was passed 18 months ago.

But according to the Chairman of the House Legal Affairs Committee, Ionas Nicolaou of DISY, it has not yet been implemented.

“The law makes it harder for someone to acquire licensing to set up such an office,” he said. “In addition, it regulates the criteria that need to be filled in order to become a security guard.”

For example, Nicolaou added, if someone has been convicted of crimes such as drug trafficking, child porn, rape or robberies, the law bans them from taking up the job.

The law also provides that guards must receive special training, from programs that have been approved by the Police Chief.

“There are problems today; if the law isn’t implemented, the dangers will increase in the near future,” said Nicolaou.

The amendment is expected to be sent to the Plenum for approval within the next few weeks.

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