Pvt security industry should adopt benchmark: Minister

Bangalore, Oct 14 (UNI) Union Minister of State for Law and Justice K Venkatapathy today called upon the Private Security Industry to adopt a suitable industry benchmark for its condusive growth.

Speaking at the National Conference of the Central Association of Private Security Industry (CAPSI) and Privative Detectives and Investigators (APDI) here, he said there was an urgent need for the two organisations to evolve a code of ethics to be followed by every individual and agency in this industry, consciously and scrupulously.

"Exemplary conduct from your part will create a conducive atmosphere for your further growth. It is also important to impart proper training to your personnel before they are put on job," he said.

Mr Venkatapathy said the growing atmosphere of terrorism and hate crimes also made it necessary to involve private security agencies in intelligence collection and information sharing.

The minister said he had noted the industry's opposition to the newly enacted Private Security Agency (Regulation) Act, but it was enacted to promote orderly development of the private security industry. It was also necessary to check the entry of unscrupulous elements into the industry, he said.

"Your contention that bill was passed by the parliament without much debate is valid. Of late, there is a tendency among some political parties to always disrupt the house under one guise or the other.

"The level of discussion also leaves much to be desired. No doubt such political parties are doing a disservice to the people they represent," he said.

He assured the CAPSI that suitable amendments to the act would be made on the lines of the Private Detective Agency (Regulation) Bill.

He said the country had 15,000 private security organisations that employed about 55 lakh people. It was witnessing a 25 per cent growth.

The third national conference of CAPSI and APDI is aimed at recognising the needs of the private security industry in the country. The theme of this year's conference has been titled "Homeland Security -- A Determined Approach".

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