RCIPS Warns Against Security Licensing Infractions

Following checks conducted by the RCIPS at certain business establishments, including nightclubs and bars, several of these establishments were found to be in breach of the Private Security Services Act by employing security personnel who were not licenced or whose licenses were expired.

Businesses and persons operating a Security Company or working as a technician or guard are reminded that it is an offence for any security business, technician, and guard to operate or work unless he/she is the holder of a licence authorising him/her to do so.

The Commissioner of Police is the authorised statutory authority to issue such licences. Renewals of licences shall be lodged no later than thirty days before the expiration of the current licence. Those operating without the necessary approvals have committed a criminal offence.

Further, the holder of a security business licence who ceases to be engaged in the business of providing security guards shall, within seven days of the cessation of engagement, forward to the Commissioner both his/her licence and the licenses of his/her employees.

It is also important to reinforce that the law requires every security technician and security guard, while on duty, to carry his/her licence and to produce it for inspection at the request of any constable or other person having reasonable grounds to require its production. It’s an offence if a security guard or technician contravenes this requirement.

Businesses, security companies, and security officers wishing to apply for a security license or to renew an expired license are encouraged to visit the RCIPS website at https://www.rcips.ky/forms/, to fill out and submit the recommended application forms. The application forms also provide you with instructions on how to go about submission, the associated fees and methods for payment.

It is against the law to have unlicensed and expired security officers operating in any capacity and any business or person found in breach will be subject to prosecution. Going forward, RCIPS will be conducting regular inspection checks across the Cayman Islands to ensure full compliance with the provisions of the Private Security Services Act.