North security firms seek FNU training support

Security guards on Vanua Levu have limited access to adequate professional training, says South Pacific Marine Ltd general manager Jitendra Prasad.

Mr Prasad, whose Savusavu-based company acquired its provisional licence last year, made the submission during a public consultation on the review of the Security Industry Act 2010 at the Civic Centre in Labasa yesterday.

“In terms of security training, we have not had any training for our officers,” Mr Prasad said.

“So far, we have not come across any training provider on Vanua Levu to be able to provide that service.”

Mr Prasad said even basic training, such as customer service, could be improved through professional courses.

He urged the Fiji National University (FNU) to provide professional training for security guards at a reasonable course fee.

“These training providers need to make sure they have training scheduled for every town.”

Fiji Law Reform Commission Commissioner Ana Rokomokoti asked Prasad whether he paid the FNU levy.

He confirmed that he did and said he hoped FNU would collaborate with the Government to provide the training.

Mr Prasad said while security licensing training was a requirement, security officers based in Savusavu would be most affected by a lack of adequate training opportunities.

Ms Rokomokoti agreed, saying it would be inappropriate for such a requirement to exist despite poor implementation efforts by training providers.

“There was a suggestion made in Nadi for the FNU levy paid by security companies to be used for facilitation of training.”

Protection for security guards

Mr Prasad also proposed allowing some form of weapon or protection for security officers to safeguard their lives and enable them to carry out their duties effectively.

Ms Rokomokoti said while protective weapons such as batons could provide a deterrent, there was a possibility they could be misused.

However, she suggested the law could include provisions allowing certain protective gear or weapons for security officers.

“At least some level of basic, useful or application of force should be permitted to the security guards only in cases of alleged theft or disorderly behaviour.”

Ms Rokomokoti clarified that prosecution powers would remain with the Police, but encouraged security officers to carry out effective detention efforts.