KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Private Security Regulation Authority (PSRA) says it has launched an investigation into Monday’s incident that involved King Alarm security personnel at an apartment complex on Braemar Avenue in New Kingston, where one man was shot by a licensed firearm holder.

PSRA in a release today said it is responsible for monitoring and regulating the operations of all stakeholders in the private security industry including contract security organisations, proprietary security organisations, private security guards, private investigators and security trainers.

The agency said it has written to the managing director of King Alarm Services Ltd, John Azar, requesting a detailed report of the incident and, as part of its investigation being led by a senior member of the authority, will be collaborating with the Jamaica Constabulary Force and the Firearm Licensing Authority.

“Furthermore, we note, with approval, the statement from King Alarm Services Ltd that all security personnel involved have been pulled from duty and reports that the firearm in question is now with the JCF for forensic testing.

“We await the outcome of the investigation to determine if the security personnel acted in contravention of the law or inconsistent with the training received,” said PSRA.

A report from the police stated that a security guard, said to be employed to the apartment complex, attacked a licensed firearm holder and pushed him to the ground.

The businessman reportedly pulled his firearm and discharged one round, which struck the security guard in the neck. Other security guards, who were present, disarmed the businessman and took him into custody.

The injured guard was taken to hospital for treatment.

The St Andrew Central police reported that the businessman’s firearm has been seized for ballistics testing.

PSRA said since January 2016, the agency has been committed to re-enforcing the mandatory compliance of all security guards regarding formal training requirements and evidence of certification.

“The PSRA provides accreditation in several areas including Customer Service, Risk Management, Professional Conduct, Governance, Leadership and Critical Thinking. The courses, which are internationally accredited, are offered by City & Guilds and Heart/NTA, with certification by the National Vocational Qualification of Jamaica (NVQJ) and Caribbean Vocational Qualification (CVQ)”.