KINGSTON, Jamaica (JIS) – Prime Minister Andrew Holness says as the Government pursues initiatives to improve citizen security and safety, partnership with the private security industry will be a critical part of the process.

He said the private security sector is an essential component of the national security framework, serving as sensors that can passively detect criminal activity and threats, and first responders, while providing vital support for State security.

The prime minister was addressing the Guardsman Group’s Security Forum at The Knutsford Court Hotel in New Kingston on May 11.

He said the concept of public security is complex and multidimensional, requiring “cross-ministerial and cross-sectoral inclusion for long-term and meaningful solutions”, in addition to “partnership with the private sector and civil society”.

He said there will continue to be dialogue among various partners to develop a national counterterrorism policy and national contingency plans.

“The role and the responsibilities of all stakeholders will be known, agreed and understood; and, therefore, the input of all stakeholders is essential,” he noted.

Holness said that one way in which such dialogue can be streamlined and networks appropriately established is through the formation of a National Risk Registry (NRR).

The NRR will be responsible for the conduct of National Risk Assessments and will be the primary medium of national risk management in Government.

The forum was held under the theme ‘Private-Public Partnership – State Security’ and aimed to deliver more seamless, intelligent and powerful security solutions.