The AK-47 kind of weapons — automatic and semi-automatic — are still out of bounds for the private agencies. The government fears misuse of sophisticated weapons.
“But there are other weapons: pistols, revolvers and other rifles that we can buy once the changes come into effect,” said Kunwar Vikram Singh, chairman of Central Association of Private Security Industry.
He anticipates a demand for about 12,000 gunmen for the cash and transit business — transferring cash by financial institutions to ATMS or bank branches alone.
This is another bit of news from around the world about the PSC market in India. This is great news that they are finally allowing companies to legally buy firearms so guards have a means to defend property, clients, and self. But my question is what took you guys so long? Especially with all of the high profile attacks that India has suffered, you would have thought that this would have been a no brainer awhile back?
The other thing that gets me with this, is the limitation on the types of weapons. Shotguns and pistols are a nice start, but the enemies of India carry AK-47’s and various other high power modern fire arms. To me, you must at least match or exceed the firepower of your potential threats. If the terrorists in the Mumbai attack were all carrying AK-47’s, then maybe that might be a clue?
This news might also impact the shipping security dilemma that India is trying to overcome. That getting armed guards on boats is a logical step for the security of vessels. But like I mentioned up top, shotguns and pistols are no match against an extremely desperate criminal armed with AK’s, PKM’s, and RPG’s.
My last thoughts on this is that world wide, security for cash transits is going to be big. There is so much financial instability right now, and the global economic woes will produce an increase in crime. So PSC’s will be pretty active in cash transits and other financial related security services, as we see things get worse. This will be particularly true as certain regions are no longer able to pay for sufficient police forces, and unemployment rates are high. If you look at places like Mexico, PSC’s are definitely on the rise. –Matt
Pvt security firms to shop for arms?
Aloke Tikku
August 08, 2011
The government is set to allow private security agencies to buy firearms and arm guards to protect high-value assets.
The move comes more than two years after the 26/11 attacks that prompted companies such as software major Infosys to seek permission for guards with automated weapons.
The home ministry’s proposal to allow state governments to issue bulk arms licences to registered private agencies was in final stages, sources said.
In the absence of such a provision, security companies depend on individuals with licensed firearm. This is illegal but the police look the other way as they can’t fill the vacuum.
“This would enable the security agencies to buy better weapons and focus on the quality of trained guards they recruit,” a senior government official said. The ministry would come up with broad guidelines but give the district superintendent of police the last word on the antecedents of the firms, the official said.
The AK-47 kind of weapons — automatic and semi-automatic — are still out of bounds for the private agencies. The government fears misuse of sophisticated weapons.
“But there are other weapons: pistols, revolvers and other rifles that we can buy once the changes come into effect,” said Kunwar Vikram Singh, chairman of Central Association of Private Security Industry.
He anticipates a demand for about 12,000 gunmen for the cash and transit business — transferring cash by financial institutions to ATMS or bank branches alone.
Story here.