Cops to form database on security guards across state

In a first-of-its-kind undertaking, the Maharashtra police will create a database comprising complete information on private security guards employed across the state.

In a first-of-its-kind undertaking, the Maharashtra police will create a database comprising complete information on private security guards employed across the state. The background information, which will be made available on the Maharashtra State Security Corporation (MSSC) website, will help employers while hiring security personnel.

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PK Jain, additional director general of police and vice-chairman and managing director, MSSC, said: "The state government has approved the project and will issue orders to the police commissionerates and the district police soon."

According to rough estimates, there are 14-15 lakh private security guards in the state including 2.5 lakh private security guards in the city. Though the police commissionerates and district police maintain data on private security in their jurisdiction, this is the first effort to compile the data for the entire state, said a senior official from the police department on condition of anonymity as he is not authorised to speak to the media.

The compiled information would be sent to the MSSC which would then be put up on its website.

The information can be accessed by anyone and will be of great help in doing a background check while hiring security personnel.

Police officials said that there have been instances where those applying for the post of watchman have been involved in theft earlier.

The database will be of help in preventing employers from hiring security guards with criminal records.