UNMIK/PR/565
PRISTINA---UNMIK is completing its review of applications to operate private security service companies in Kosovo. Next week it will grant seven provisional licenses.
Some 25 firms have been providing various forms of security services but only 15 applications to operate legally were received by the UNMIK Business Registration Unit.
Under the terms of regulation 2000/33 on Licensing Security Service Providers in Kosovo and the regulation of their employees, any businesses providing security services must be registered and issued with an UNMIK business license. The deadline for the receipt of applications has been extended a number of times past the original date of November 2, 2000, provided for in the Administrative Instruction.
UNMIK, UNMIK Police and KFOR have been involved in extensive background checks of the applicants and is preparing to name seven companies to be granted provisional licenses to operate for the next six months, the Business Registration Unit said. The licensing decisions will be promulgated before May 1.
The six-month provisional licenses may be renewed for further periods of 12 months, provided the security services company continues to meet all requirements for the license. In accordance with Administrative Instruction 2000/1, those companies that are granted provisional licenses will be required to obtain permits for each employee and to comply with the UNMIK Police Policy and Guidelines on the operation of Security Service Providers in Kosovo.
The private security service industry has never legally existed in Kosovo. UNMIK believes that licensed private security companies now have the opportunity to genuinely assist law enforcement agencies in Kosovo by reducing the level of the latter’s fixed guarding commitments and to contribute to the overall reduction of crime. It is essential that members of the nascent security industry display the highest levels of professionalism and integrity at all times.