In a significant move to streamline the private security industry in the state, Punjab Police in partnership with Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) on Tuesday, have organised the 1st Stakeholders Conference on Private Security Agencies Regulation (PSAR) Act at CII Northern Region Headquarters here. The conference was organised under the guidance of Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav aimed at fostering collaboration and cooperation between private security agencies and law enforcement.
Principal Secretary Department of Home Affairs Punjab Gurkirat Kirpal Singh accompanied by Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) Security SS Srivastava inaugurated the conference at CII Northern Region Headquarters here. Secretary Industries, Commerce and Investment Promotion Punjab DPS Kharbanda, ADGP Traffic AS Rai and Chairman CII Punjab Abhishek Gupta were also present on the occasion.
Principal Secretary Gurkirat Kirpal Singh, while addressing the gathering, assured fulsome support of the Punjab Government to the Private Security Agencies while ensuring mandated requirements under the act. Rules are being updated under the PSAR act, he said.
The Principal Secretary also appreciated the role of private security agencies in providing employment to youth. ADGP SS Srivastava, while addressing the inaugural session, said that this conference aimed at promoting a secure and regulated environment for the public, private security agencies, and law enforcement to work together effectively.
Emphasising private security's crucial role in supporting law enforcement, he highlighted the key aspects of the PSAR Act, including rules and regulations, and concerns regarding uniform misuse. The ADGP, while appreciating their role, said that the Private security and their role in security architecture is pivotal. “We want you all (private security forces) to work as a force multipliers. Our motto is to collaborate and cooperate,” he added.
Later, in this day long conference, various sessions on different topics including Private Security: Emerging Trends & the Road ahead; Training & Skill Development; Role of Women Force in Private Security Sector; Employee Rights and Welfare issues; Concerns regarding potential challenges in the Private Security Industry; Industry Collaboration & Partnership Opportunities; and Innovations & Technology advancement in Private Security Sector were held.
Experts from the private security industry, law enforcement, and government agencies shared their expertise, exploring challenges and best practices.Meanwhile, this initiative reflects Punjab Police's commitment to regulating and enhancing the private security sector.