Oppressed: Private security guards protecting all but own interests...

He is the first person to greet us and open the door when we visit any mall, an ATM, a bank, a hotel or an office. And this person is always seen wearing a smile on his face. This man is a security guard, mostly spotted in a 'khaki' uniform. Ever thought what a guard earns for his 12-hour-a-day job. A pittance of Rs. 3,000 to Rs. 4,000 a month. 

 

Organisations hire guards from private security agencies. These agencies pay less than half the amount that they charge from their clients. 

 

A guard on a condition of anonymity said that he stands for 12 long hours (from 11 am to 11 pm) at the entrance of a mall and is paid just Rs. 3,000 per month. 

 

“We are made to sign a paper which stated that we would be paid a salary of Rs. 6,500, but we are paid less than half of it,” he added. 

 

Another elderly security guard posted at a monument in the city said, “I am paid Rs. 3,500 out of which, Rs. 350 is deducted as provident fund. It has been five years since I am with this agency. Once I needed the PF amount after my son’s demise, but they said there was nothing in my account. After my son’s death, I have six mouths to feed and meeting ends is hard for me with this small amount. They don’t pay the salary on time either.” 

 

He also said that he even had a word with the agency’s owner but he turned down his request stating that this might cost him the job.

 

However, security agency owners refute the charges of exploitation. 

 

Rajesh Shekhawat, owner of Leader Star Security Agency in Jaipur, said, “All this isn’t correct. No forgery is done in documents while hiring guards. We pay them good money. I don’t know about other agencies but I pay between Rs. 6,500 to Rs. 7,500 per month to every guard. They (guards) are told at the time of joining that they will be paid a particular sum of money.” 

 

A survey done in the year 2012 had revealed that none of the security guards receive more than Rs. 4,000 per month. There are more than 100 security agencies running in Jaipur and over 500 in whole of Rajasthan

Source: http://daily.bhaskar.com/article/RAJ-JPR-oppressed-private-security-men-guarding-all-but-own-interests-4328137-NOR.html

‘Training schools needed for pvt security guards’

 There is a need to impart training to private security guards through special schools, as their role is growing in guarding commercial establishments, offices, ATMs, companies and malls, according to Swaranjit Sen, former DGP of Andhra Pradesh and chief adviser to the AP Private Security Association.

He was addressing a security awareness programme, organised by the association here on Sunday. He said there was little awareness about the role played by security guards and they were not getting the respect due to them and they were also being denied fair wages.

“All these things should change and we should set up schools to train guards. There should be some minimum qualification for becoming a guard. There should be a degree course specifically for them. Their role is complementary to that of the police. In guarding properties and curbing crime, their role cannot be overemphasised,” he said. He said the general impression that ex-servicemen would make good security guards was also not correct. “We should take all necessary steps to produce efficient, reliable security guards and it also opens up many employment opportunities for the youth,” he added. Association State President C. Bhaskar Reddy said there were around 1,500 security agencies in the State employing four lakh guards. He said there were 1,20,000 police personnel in the State and the police force was grossly inadequate and, therefore, the role of private guards was all the more important.

The association was taking all steps to increase the skill levels of the guards. However, he regretted, “there is no respect for a security guard in society and the crucial role he/she plays.” He said the Union Government had enacted a special law for security guards and it was being implemented in 23 States and the AP Government should also take steps in that direction. Induction of new technology for foolproof security, employment of armed guards, recruitment and antecedents verification for private companies, and training were some of the key issues, he added. Referring to service tax, he said it was a major problem. “We are paying 12.3 per cent service tax on the salaries paid to security guards and the Government should consider our demand for waiver,” he said. V. Amarnath, Vice-President of the association, Lt. Col (Retd) K.S. Rao, Joint Secretary, D.S Reddy, Secretary, and others spoke.

Source: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/states/training-schools-needed-for-pvt-security-guards/article4963656.ece

Private security guards not chowkidars, says ex-DGP Swaranjit Sen

Retired Director General of Police Swaranjit Sen on Sunday said there was an urgent need to put an end to viewing private security guards as ‘chowkidars’ and mooted introduction of a degree course in security.

Stating that it was a highly specialised field, he told a regional conference of Andhra Pradesh Private Security Association (APPSA) here that steps should be taken to make them efficient and professional to supplement the effort of the police and paramilitary forces. On his proposal to introduce degree course in security, he said for those selected for recruitment in police department need not go for a time-taking training programme if they could obtain such a qualification before their induction. Mr. Sen, who is the chief advisor to APPSA, said he had already spoken to the Home Secretary and he had promised to amend the Andhra Pradesh Private Securities (Regulation) Rules, 2008. The country had 75 lakh employees engaged in private security and hence they deserved much better treatment. He said due to changing scenario, the security arena had emerged as highly challenging. APPSA president C. Bhaskar Reddy said the association was trying to sensitise the promoters of security agencies to give decent wages and statutory benefits like provident fund and ESI and recruit freshers after training them properly.

Source: http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Visakhapatnam/private-security-guards-not-chowkidars-says-exdgp-swaranjit-sen/article4966088.ece

Mahabodhi private security under scanner: Nitish

The role of private security guards deployed at the Mahabodhi temple complex in Bodh Gaya is under NIA scrutiny in connection with Sunday’s serial blasts, chief minister Nitish Kumar said in Patna on Thursday.

“LPG cylinders were used in the blasts inside the temple complex. Were they brought inside to cook food?” a laconic Kumar said when asked if police lapses had led to the serial blasts.
Bodh Gaya was rocked by serial blasts early morning on Sunday in which two monks were injured. Four of the 10 blasts took place inside the temple complex.

He was trying to emphasise the point that the temple management had engaged a private security agency (Cobra) for temple security and the police only provided “cover” to the agency, from outside the complex.
“Any lapse in the security should be accepted by all concerned and comprehensive measures should be taken to remedy the shortcomings,” he added.
Despite the reservations expressed by the Union home minister Sushilkumar Shinde about Bihar’s formal request seeking deployment of CISF at the temple, Kumar reiterated the demand.
“The Mahabodhi temple is different from other religious shrines as it attracts a lot of Buddhist pilgrims from across the world. As such, the centre should consider its case on a stand-alone basis”, he argued.
Kumar welcomed Wednesday’s Supreme Court order that would lead to disqualification of MPs and legislators from their elected positions as soon as they were convicted in any case, allowing for imprisonment of two years or more.
“The verdict is good for the health of the country’s body politic,” the chief minister said. He demanded steps for early enforcement of the apex court order.

Source: http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-news/Patna/Mahabodhi-private-security-under-scanner-Nitish/Article1-1090783.aspx

Cops take battle against terror to schools, hospitals

Following Indian Mujahideen's threat to attack Mumbai on July 21 and the serial blasts at BodhGaya, the city police are going all out to ensure that no area is vulnerable.

Men in khaki have been boarding buses and visiting schools, colleges as well as hospitals, asking people to remain alert and inform them about suspicious activities and persons. Policemen have also been telling citizens what to do in case of a terror strike.

"People at hospitals and schools were surprised when we visited them. But we told them that anything can happen anywhere and it's important for each of us to stay alert and not spread rumours," a senior officer said.

Mumbai commissioner Satya Paul Singh called a meeting of officers of the rank of deputy police commissioner and above on Wednesday to discuss the terror alert and assess the force's preparedness.

After the July 7 Bodh Gaya blasts, IM posted on a micro-blogging site that its next target would be Mumbai. In May, the Western Naval command headquarters had alerted the city police about the threat of a bomb attack on the US Consulate here on July 21. Members of a terrorist module busted earlier had told central intelligence agencies about the places they had recced for a strike in Mumbai. The police have since increased security at these places.

"Terrorists mostly target public places to cause maximum damage and get maximum attention. It is not possible for police officers to be present at all the places at all times. It is, therefore, important that citizens remain alert. This will deter the terrorists," said another officer.

The police have also removed hawkers from vulnerable places and instructed housing societies to deploy private security guards as well as instal CCTV cameras. "We are doing our best to tackle terrorism. At the same time, we expect people's active participation," said deputy police commissioner (Zone-9) Chhering Dorje.

Police personnel have been distributing pamphlets listing dos and don'ts (see box) and running ads on cable TV and multiplexes, exhorting citizens to be aware of their sorroundings while travelling in trains and exercise caution. Mock drills at crowded places

are also being conducted.

to assess the police's conducting mock drills after regular interval at crowded public places. "The terrorist do dry run before planting the explosives. If the people remain alert and questions the suspects, it will deter the terrorist to execute the operation" said an officer.

Dos and Don'ts

Inform the police about suspicious objects, vehicles and persons

While giving your property out on rent, verify all the details of the lessee

Keep an eye on your surroundings while travelling in train or bus and inform the police if you find any unattended bag

Don't touch unattended suspicious bag/boxes

Don't create panic and don't spread rumours

Don't rent the house to unknown persons  





Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/Cops-take-battle-against-terror-to-schools-hospitals/articleshow/21175793.cms 

Private security guards removed from Bodh Gaya temple

Taking strong note of security lapses resulting in serial bomb blasts in Maha Bodhi temple recently, the service of the private security company within the temple premises has been terminated.

Maha Bodhi Temple Management Committee (BTMC) took decision to terminate contract of private security company "COBRA" for lapses that resulted in explosions within the temple on July 7 wounding two monks.

The BTMC took strong exception to the fact that while the blasts took place after 5:30 AM on that day, why the guards of the security company who are supposed to be on duty from 5 AM in the morning, did not see bags carrying bombs kept near Maha Bodhi tree and elsewhere within the shrine premises, BTMC member Arvind Kar said today.

He said the committee served a month's notice to the company to pack off from the temple.

COBRA had been assigned the job of security within the temple since 2009. The outer security was in the hands of Bihar police earlier.

With COBRA security guards withdrawn, security guards of BTMC are assisting the Bihar Military Police (BMP) personnel in providing security to the international Buddhist shrine.

Sources in the BTMC said despite previous alerts, some meetings by senior police and civil officers were conducted with the secretary or chairman of the committee but a meeting of the full bench of the BTMC was never conducted to review security arrangements.

Source: http://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/private-security-guards-removed-from-bodh-gaya-temple-113071600506_1.html

How to hire a Private Security Guard

Instructions

1. • 1
     Contract with your local law enforcement agency to supply an off-duty officer. Law enforcement officers have already been screened at the least for a criminal background and references from past jobs. These officers also have experience dealing with the public and are more apt to keep a calm head in a dangerous situation.
     
   • 2
     Contract with a security agency that has a trustworthy reputation. Work with the larger agencies, which generally have a larger selection of better-trained officers. Big firms are more likely to fire troublesome and unreliable employees, too.
     

Place the responsibility of background checks and training on the contracting agency. This makes the security firm accountable if one of its security guards turns out to be an ex-con with a penchant for breaking and entering.

4

Set the terms of employment at the outset. Establish "post orders" such as no smoking, sleeping, TV and horseplay to outline your expectations from security guards. Require security guards to keep a detailed log of their activities. For example, don't accept: "1:30 a.m., nothing to report," but "1:30 a.m. walked south perimeter to investigate noise; nothing found."

5

Establish patrol routes that you want covered by the security firm's services. Don't make the area for drive-through patrols too broad, though, or the security guards will drive too fast in order to cover the whole area.

6

Request the security firm's proof of indemnity insurance and a copy of its license. Ask that you be added to its policy to protect you from any negligence on the part of its security guards. The same applies for any vehicles driven by employees of the security firm.

7

Read the fine print in the contract carefully to make sure you won't be held liable for any accidents, either those caused by the security guards or suffered by them while on your property.

8

Require the contracting company to provide its guards with uniforms and anything else they need for the job, including flashlights, notebooks, pens and hand-held radios. Make sure this is written into the contract.

Read more: http://www.ehow.com/how_5903669_hire-security-guard.html#ixzz2YuA4c57a