Police has issued stern warning to private security service providers against unprofessional conduct and violating standard procedures.

The warning follows the closure of four private security firms, which were operating illegally.

Police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Theos Badege confirmed that the companies were "operating, without a license.”

The suspended security firms are Delta Limited, Wide Vision Company Limited, Guard Marks and DICEL Security.

"The procedures for starting and operating a private security company are clear and well stated in the relevant ministerial order. Overall, you need to apply and acquire an operational license, which these four companies didn’t have. So they have been ordered to close all their activities with immediate effect,” ACP Badege said.

The license is issued by RNP basing on a report submitted by a security vetting committee. The same committee is also in charge of inspection of the operations and conduct of the licensed companies.

The company has also to be registered in Rwanda Development Board (RDB).

"There are also other professional and ethical standards a firm has to observe even when they are registered and licensed, like continuous capacity building, discipline and customer care,” he added.

Some of the conditions to secure a license include having training ground, syllabus and qualified trainers, internal rules and regulations, and standard operating procedures, among others.

"With the expanding private sector activities and infrastructure across the country, private security service providers are also playing a big role in providing security of these facilities and people. The process of licensing and continuous inspection is geared towards high standards of professionalism in their security activities,” he said.

Meanwhile, the affected companies have admitted operating without license, but said they will work with the licenser to ensure that they fulfill all the requirements to be granted operational license and reopen.

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