Picking private security in Iraq

The Managing Director of Erinys on how to choose the right provider. GETTY IMAGES

Oil companies in Iraq still need to factor in a security cost overhead as part of doing business in the country in order to protect their people and assets. John McCaffery, Managing Director of British private security firm Erinys, gives his guide to choosing the right provider.

The securing of personnel and assets is a complex amalgam of procedural, technical and physical methods that establishes layered security “architecture” with multiple zones.

If one considers the client and a project as the core of an onion then layers of skin that surround the core would represent the security “zones” that protect the client.

In relation to the cost of security, there is an old saying: “if you have a five dollar head, then wear a five dollar helmet” – in other words, if you value what you have you are willing to pay to protect it.

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As such it is important to note that the provision of a professional security architecture is expensive anywhere in the world.
In Iraq though it is more so, given the cost of shipping in equipment and the labour rates of professional security personnel. This is compounded by the need to train and equip local personnel and the extremely challenging regulatory environment in which international PSC’s are required to operate.

Every company operating in Iraq, regardless of industry, is commercially driven; Private Security Companies (PSC’s) are no different. However, in the PSC sector the client has become much more educated on the product being purchased (security services) and the associated costs involved. As a result the market is now much more competitive.

Educated buyers should look at the security companies they are employing and conduct a cost comparison on a like for like basis.

Establish the capability of the PSD provider by getting a current client list and client recommendations. Once you have done that then a review the price proposal should provide you a number of options for providers.

However, be aware that while it might appear that there is a large variance in price for the what ostensibly are the same services, it will be the overall service that should be considered. Prospective clients should consider:

1. Are there experienced expatriate team leaders who speak the language of the client (or English - which is the lingua franca of the security industry)?

2. Are the vehicles tracked by the Contractor Operations Centre and the PSD provider?

3. Are the team’s members trained (including medical training) and is there an ongoing training programme?

4. Are the vehicles armoured and certified as such by a professional armouring provider?