Application to Operate a Security Firm

Any company wishing to offer protection to private citizens or organisations must be licensed to operate as a Security Firm or Protective Service Agency. The Protective Services Division of the Ministry of National Security administers the issuing and monitoring of licences.

Who can apply? What is the application process? What happens after an application is made? Are there any associated fees? Where can I find more information? Forms and Other Downloads Related Services Quick Links

Who can apply? A company can apply for a licence if its directors or senior executives:

Possess the basic knowledge and skills required to operate a Security Firm or Protective Service Agency, as demonstrated by prior or current work experience and formal education and training. Possess business management expertise, as demonstrated by prior or current work experience and formal education or training.

In order to apply, the company must also have:

A Certificate of Registration from the Registrar of Companies. A certificate from an insurance company certifying that the company has a valid public liability insurance policy for coverage in an amount not less than TT$500,000. The policy must include liability for damages caused by the negligence of security officers at the premises of customers. A certificate from an insurance company certifying that the company has a valid policy insuring or indemnifying it against the full amount of its liability in respect of any injury sustained by a security officer in the discharge of his or her duties.

A certificate from the National Insurance Board indicating that the company is registered as an employer under the National Insurance Act and that there are no outstanding amounts payable under that Act up to the month in which the application is made. A Police Certificate of Character for each Director or Senior Executive dated no more than three months before the date the application is made. Please follow the link below for information on how to obtain a Police Certificate of Character. A Board of Inland Revenue (B.I.R.) File Number and Tax Clearance Certificate confirming that there are no outstanding taxes, interest or penalties payable by the Agency or Firm. Follow the link below for more information on Tax Clearance Certificates.

Obtaining a Police Certificate of Character Tax Clearance Certificates back to top What is the application process? A company must obtain and complete the Application Form for Approval to Operate a Protective Service Agency Within the Meaning of the Supplemental Police Act Chapter 15:02, which can be downloaded from the Ministry of National Security website using the link below. Copies of the application form can also be picked up from the Protective Services Division of the Ministry of National Security. Ministry of National Security Protective Services Division 31-33 Abercromby Street Port of Spain Trinidad, West Indies Tel. (868) 623-2441-5 Fax. (868) 627-8044 E-mail: info@mns.gov.tt Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 4:00 pm, except public holidays.

The following documents must be submitted with the completed application form:

A colour photograph of the uniform to be worn by the company's employees. Certificate of Registration, proof of insurance, Police Certificates of Character, Tax Clearance Certificate and proof of qualifications, as listed above.

A company representative must return the completed application form, together with all required documentation, to the Protective Services Division. The representative must have proof of identification in the form of a valid Trinidad and Tobago National ID Card, Driver's Permit or Passport. Non-nationals may present a valid foreign passport.

Application Form back to top What happens after an application is made? All applications are processed by the Protective Services Division. As part of their processing, the Division will request that the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) conduct an investigation of your company. If TTPS finds no basis for denying your company's application, the Commissioner of Police will recommend to the Minister of National Security that your application be approved.

Upon the Minister's approval, your company will be issued a licence to operate as a security firm or protective service agency. A company will usually receive its licence within four months of submitting an application. back to top Are there any associated fees? There is no fee associated with applying for this licence. back to top Where can I find more information? For more information, please visit the Ministry of National Security's website using the link below. You may also contact the Protective Services Division. Ministry of National Security Protective Services Division 31-33 Abercromby Street Port of Spain Trinidad, West Indies Tel. (868) 623-2441-5 Fax. (868) 627-8044 E-mail: info@mns.gov.tt Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 4:00 pm, except public holidays. Ministry of National Security back to top

Forms and Other Downloads

Application Form to Operate a Security Firm

back to top Related Services

Application to Carry a Firearm Obtaining a Police Certificate of Character Tax Clearance Certificate

back to top Quick Links