The Superintendent of Police, South Goa, has issued a public advisory urging citizens, establishments and individuals to verify the credentials of private security agencies and personnel before hiring their services.
According to the press release, it has come to the notice of the authorities that many establishments and individuals are engaging agencies without checking their credentials or the character and antecedents of security staff. Several of these agencies are operating without valid registration under the Private Security Agencies (Regulation) Act, 2005 (PSARA).
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“All citizens, commercial establishments, and individuals seeking employment in the private security sector are strongly advised to verify the credentials and legal status of any Private Security Agency (PSA) before availing their services. Ensure that the agency holds a valid licence under PSARA and refrain from engaging security personnel whose character and antecedents have not been duly verified,” the advisory stated.
The SP stressed that operating a Private Security Agency without valid PSARA registration is a punishable offence. Strict legal action will be taken against unregistered agencies, proprietors of such firms, and individuals or organisations that knowingly hire their services.
Currently, 165 Private Security Agencies are licensed to operate in Goa under PSARA. A comprehensive list of these authorised agencies, along with their registration details, has been enclosed for public reference.
The government said it is committed to strengthening security protocols and curbing the misuse of unregulated private security services, which may contribute to organised crime or gang activity. “As part of this initiative, any agency found operating without valid registration will face immediate closure and prosecution,” the release added.
