Private Security Firms cannot wear NSG uniform look alikes

M IFFED over the fact that security guards employed by some private security agencies are wearing uniforms having distinct similarities to the operational uniform prescribed for its commandos, the National Security Guard (NSG) has now warned those concerned to desist from the practice or face penal action.
Having received reports of many private security agencies providing their men with black uniforms, the elite commando force, popularly known as Black Cats because of their trademark attire, has now put out a public notice cautioning those doing it.
“It has come to the notice of Director General of the National Security Guard that employees of certain private security agencies have been wearing specifically designed black coloured dungaree/uniform, similar to the operational uniform prescribed for NSG Commandos. It is brought to the notice of all concerned that wearing of such dungarees/uniform by unauthorised person is an offence under the Indian Penal Code and, therefore, may invite penal action against those responsible,” states the notice.
According to NSG sources, this latest move has been prompted by the ever increasing number of instances where armed guards, attired in all-black, were found guarding eminent persons, even VVIPs at times. “The impression one gets when you see such private armed guards is that NSG Black Cats are providing cover. This creates an adverse impression about the force too,” a NSG official said.
“It is understandable for a force like the NSG, which has a distinctive uniform, to raise this issue since the look of a uniform is crucial to the identity of a force,” said Anil Dhawan, president of the Asian Professional Security Association (APSA). “This also raises the question of standardisation of uniforms for private security agencies. Once an agency starts doing well, its uniform is copied by others in no time which often leads to misrepresentations,” he added.
Under the Private Security Agencies (Regulation) Act 2005, a private security guard or supervisor wearing a uniform of any armed force or Police of the Union or dressing in a uniform which appears like or has the distinctive markings of such government uniforms, is punishable with a year’s imprisonment or a fine of Rs 5,000 or both. The proprietor of the agency who indulges in this violation is liable for prosecution.