WHEN you say “Hawkeye” in Jamaica, it evokes more than just a brand; it brings to mind an image of black-clad response teams, red patches, and swift-moving professionals stepping out of branded vehicles. That striking presence helped set the company apart early in its existence, turning what began as a modest venture into one of the island’s most recognised names in private security service.

The company has its genesis in 1985 when brothers Derrick “Ricky” and Mark Mahfood launched Ranger Protection and Security, a traditional guard service. Three years later, in February 1988, they saw an opportunity to expand into electronic surveillance, a move that led to the birth of Hawkeye Electronic Security.

“At the time, I was working with my father on a project,” recalled Derrick Mahfood, executive chairman and CEO of Hawkeye Electronic Security Ltd, in an interview with the Jamaica Observer at its 24 South Camp Road branch. “When that ended, my brother and I started talking about electronic security. That’s when we started [to] investigate electronic security.”

Neither brother had a background in electronics, but they saw a gap in the market. With Ranger already established, they viewed electronic security as a natural extension of their services. Initially, Ranger handled the physical guarding, while Hawkeye focused on the tech side. Eventually, both operations merged under the now-familiar Hawkeye brand.

“We both had a small amount of savings and invested it in the business,” Mahfood said. “And little by little, it started to grow.”

Hawkeye’s early presence was small but strategic. The company launched with 13 clients — businesses located in two shopping plazas along Constant Spring Road in St Andrew. One two-man response team patrolled the area, ready to respond to alerts from clients. Within a year, the company grew to more than 100 customers. In a market that was still dominated by traditional guard services, Hawkeye introduced something new: visible, tactical, armed response units outfitted with bulletproof vests. At the time, the concept of armed response was still relatively novel in Jamaica.

Hawkeye’s bold approach not only filled a need but also made a statement. While many have since adopted similar strategies, Hawkeye’s early innovation, combined with its strong brand identity, helped the company stand out and stay top of mind.

In September 1988, just six to seven months in business, Hurricane Gilbert disrupted its operations briefly. With electricity out for days, operating an electronic security company became a challenge. During that period, Hawkeye mainly focused on conducting mobile patrols in areas considered more prone to crime, just to give customers a sense of presence and reassurance. Once electricity was restored, the business quickly rebounded.

“Little by little, people began to see electronic security as an alternative or an addition to what they already had and with the features and benefits that it could provide for them,” said Mahfood.

Hawkeye’s core business is providing alarm systems for homes and businesses, complete with door and window sensors, motion detectors, and keypads used to arm the system when leaving the property. Once armed, any breach triggers the alarm and alerts the company’s 24-hour monitoring centre. Customers also have access to remote panic buttons, which can be activated to summon a response team if they hear something suspicious during the night.

In addition to alarm systems, Hawkeye offers a range of advanced security solutions, including CCTV surveillance, access control for restricted areas, vehicle tracking, gate automation, barriers, intercom systems, and article surveillance — an anti-theft solution widely used in retail.

“You’ll notice this in places like Ammar’s and Lee’s Fifth Ave, where the garments are tagged as part of our retail theft prevention systems,” Mahfood explained.

In 1989, Hawkeye expanded its services to include cash-in-transit operations, safely collecting and transporting funds to banks on behalf of clients. That service has since become one of the company’s core offerings.

The company started operating from 2 Seaview Avenue, just off Old Hope Road, with a team of only seven employees. A few years later, Hawkeye acquired property at 14 Belmont Road to support its growing operations. By the mid-1990s, the company had expanded beyond Kingston, opening branches in Montego Bay, Mandeville, and Ocho Rios. Today, Hawkeye employs more than 3,000 people across the island. But over its 37 years of operation, the company has also endured moments of tragedy, including the heartbreaking loss of team members in the line of duty.

“It’s been very painful for me; these were men I knew personally,” Mahfood shared with the Business Observer. “It’s incredibly difficult to cope with.”

To honour their memory, the company has dedicated a wall at its South Camp Road branch, where photos of each fallen team member remain on display as a lasting tribute.

“I look to the Lord for everything — guidance, provision, and helping us find the right people,” he said.

When it comes to building the right team, Mahfood believes faith has guided many of those decisions. However, he admits that labour challenges persist. While the company actively seeks out suitable candidates, much of the technical work at Hawkeye is highly specialised. As a result, employees — whether in IT, sales, or installation — receive thorough in-house training. The systems and technologies used at Hawkeye often go beyond standard networking, requiring staff to develop skills tailored to the company’s unique offerings.

From its inception, Hawkeye has placed strong emphasis on remaining at the forefront of innovation, committed to delivering cutting-edge security solutions to both businesses and homeowners in Jamaica.

Business succession is already underway at Hawkeye, with one of Mahfood’s sons recently joining the company. He is currently being exposed to key departments such as human resources, client care, and operations, as part of a deliberate effort to familiarise him with the full scope of the business. The goal at this stage is to determine whether the role aligns with his long-term interests and strengths.

As the company looks to the future, growth remains a key priority. Hawkeye plans to expand its customer base by offering a wider range of security solutions aimed at strengthening existing infrastructure. With the rising cost of manned guarding, there is an increasing focus on integrating technology to reduce reliance on physical security personnel. While tight-lipped on details, the company hinted that acquisitions remain a part of its growth strategy moving forward.

Cybersecurity has been considered, but for now, the company is focused on strengthening its core offerings and ensuring consistent service delivery.

Reflecting on his journey, Mahfood shared that patience, commitment, and perseverance have been key ingredients to Hawkeye’s success.

“Some of the lessons for me have been about staying committed to your goals, putting in the hard work and extra hours, and giving the business the time it needs to grow. Things don’t happen overnight,” he said. “When I look back, I realise that everything that has been accomplished has been with God’s help.”