Guidelines on the Use of Armed Security Services from Private Security Companies

Tip: These guidelines should be read in conjunction with the United Nations  Policy on Armed Private Security Companies

A. Introduction

           1 .  The primary responsibility for the security and protection of United Nations personnel, their eligible family members, and the premises and property of United Nations Security Management System organizations rests with             the   host Government.In ensuring such safety  and security, certain circumstances may arise where armed security services become necessary. When the host Government is unwilling or unable to provide such protection, as

            determined by the United Nations in consultation with the relevant authorities, armed security services will normally be provided by alternate member States or the appropriate security entity within the United Nations             system.

 2 .  On an exceptional basis to meet its obligations, the United Nations Security Management System may use private companies to provide armed security services when the threat conditions and programme needs warrant it.

 3 . The fundamental principle in guiding when to use armed security services from a private security companyisthat these may be considered onlywhen there is no possible provision of adequate and appropriate armed security             from the host Government, alternate member State(s), or internal United Nations system resources such as the Security and Safety  Services or security officers recruited directly by a mission or through anotherUnited

            Nations Security Management System organization. 

        4 . These guidelines should be read in conjunction with Security Policy Manual, Chapter IV, Section I, “Armed Private Security Companies”.

B. Aim

    5. In circumstances where a United Nations Security Management System organization  determines that armed security services from a private security company are required, the engagement and use of such serviceswill be governed by a clear accountability and  responsibility framework and clear operational standards and oversight.

   6 . These guidelines provide further details and descriptions of the requirements and processes outlined in the Policy on Armed Private Security Companies

C. Services which may be contracted from an Armed Private Security Company

7. The objective of armed security services from a private security company is to provide a visible deterrent to potential attackers and an armed response to repel any attack in manner consistent with the United Nations “Use of                   Force Policy”, the respective host country legislation and international law.

8. Armed security service from a private security company may not be contracted, except on  an exceptional basis for the following purposes:

                        a. To protect United Nations personnel, premises and property.

                        b. To provide mobile protection for United Nations personnel and property

Static Protection of United Nations Personnel, Premises and Property

9 . Armed personnel employed by a private security company contracted by the United Nations for the static protection of personnel, premises and property can provide the following basic functions:

        a. Conduct access control of vehicles and pedestrians to the designated premises or area

                    i. Use of electronic body and package search equipment

                    ii. Personnel searches

                    iii. Vehicle searches

                    iv. Building searches for suspected explosive devices

                    v. Visitor control systems

                    vi. Badge issuance and control

                    vii. Mail screening

    b. Patrol the designated premises or area

                    i. Identify and report suspicious persons or objects which may cause a security concern

                   ii. Subsequently contain or remove suspicious persons or objects which may cause a security concern

    c. Monitor and respond to intrusion and safety alarms

    d. Maintain guard post records and logs and preparation of incident reports

    e. Provide First Aid to United Nations personnel in the event of incidents 

    10. Armed response during the course of delivering basic functions:          

        a. Protect United Nations personnel, premises and property within the designated  premises or area in accordance with the Use of Force Policy developed by the private security company, developed according to the provisions of               paragraph 34 of these guidelines.

    For more Details Follow   Guidelines On Use Of Armed Security Services.pdf