Uruguay has become the first Latin American country to join the International Code of Conduct Association (ICoCA), making it the eighth Member Government worldwide to do so. This important step highlights Uruguay’s commitment to promoting high standards in the private security industry. This blog post, through the perspective of a regulatory authority, highlights the critical importance of regulation, supervision, and professionalisation in fostering a more ethical and accountable private security industry.
Private Security in Uruguay: History and Regulation
Private security in Uruguay has undergone a fascinating evolution, growing steadily and becoming an essential pillar of the country’s security ecosystem. This growth has been driven by the perception of insecurity and the need to reinforce the efforts of public security forces. The implementation of Law No. 17921 and the work of the Dirección General de Fiscalización de Empresas (Di.Ge.F.E.) (created in 2016) have been instrumental in the regulation and supervision of private security activities, transforming the sector and generating a significant impact on Uruguayan society.
History of Private Security in Uruguay
The journey of private security in Uruguay begins in the mid-20th century, marked by key regulations that have shaped the sector as we know it today:
Uruguay has also been a pioneer in adhering to international standards in the private security sector. In 2008, it was one of the first countries to accede to the Montreux Document on international legal obligations relevant to the operations of private military and security companies. Recently, Uruguay became the first country in Latin America to join the International Code of Conduct Association, a significant step that reinforces its commitment to best practices and ethical standards in private security.
Regulation and Supervision of Private Security
Law N° 17921 and Di.Ge.F.E.
Law No. 17921, enacted in 2018, revolutionised the private security sector in Uruguay. It established a clear legal framework to ensure that companies and personnel operate under strict standards of professionalism and ethics. This regulation covers a wide range of services, from surveillance and protection to the custody and handling of valuables.
The Dirección General de Fiscalización de Empresas (Di.Ge.F.E.), under the Ministry of Interior, plays a crucial role in the implementation and control of Law No. 17921. With nationwide competence, this directorate oversees the registration, control, inspection and supervision of the services provided by private persons, natural or legal, authorised for private security activities. Its functions include the inspection and auditing of security companies, ensuring compliance with all the rules and regulations in force.
A 2020 Di.Ge.F.E. report highlighted that the agency has conducted numerous inspections and audits, raising operational and ethical standards in the sector. The Di.Ge.F.E. also maintains a detailed register of all companies and personnel operating in the sector, allowing for continuous monitoring and rapid response to any irregularities. In addition, it has the power to impose sanctions and shut down operations that do not meet minimum safety standards, thus ensuring a regulated and safe environment.
Professionalisation and Training of Security Personnel
Law No. 17921 establishes various categories of security personnel, from armed guards to video surveillance operators and personal escorts, each with specific training and skills. Training of personnel is a critical aspect, and the law requires specific training programmes before being licensed to operate.
There are currently more than 300 security companies in Uruguay employing almost 25,000 security guards. Approximately 30% of these are armed, while 70% operate without weapons. This distribution reflects the varied demands of security in different contexts, from guarding residences and businesses to protecting high-profile events and individuals.
Continuous training of security personnel is essential to maintain high standards of professionalism. Training and certification programmes should be regularly updated to reflect best practices and technological advances. In addition, the inclusion of training in human rights and professional ethics is essential to ensure that security personnel act in a fair and respectful manner. The University of the Republic has highlighted the importance of human rights training to improve the quality and ethics of private security services in Uruguay.
Impacts and Benefits of the Private Security Sector
The implementation of Law No. 17921 and the supervision by the Di.Ge.F.E. have increased the professionalisation of the sector and public confidence in private security services. The creation of clear standards and strict compliance ensure that companies operate with integrity and responsibility. The Di.Ge.F.E. promotes transparency and compliance with regulations through regular inspections and audits.
Coordination between state and private security forces is essential in Uruguay, allowing for a rapid and effective response to security incidents. This collaboration is evident in large-scale events, where private security complements public law enforcement. In addition, the private security sector contributes significantly to the country’s economy, generating thousands of jobs and fostering a secure and stable business environment.
The presence of a robust private security sector allows companies to operate with the peace of mind of knowing that their assets and personnel are protected, which in turn promotes investment and economic development. The Uruguayan Chamber of Commerce has noted that the private security sector is one of the largest employers in the country, providing employment opportunities for both qualified personnel and those seeking to enter the labour market.
Despite the progress made, continued monitoring and strict regulation of security companies is essential to prevent any abuse or illegal activity. The Di.Ge.F.E. must continue to strengthen its control and oversight mechanisms to ensure that all security companies and personnel operate within the established legal and ethical framework. Any irregularities or suspicious activity must be addressed immediately to maintain the integrity of the sector and public confidence. The Ministry of Interior has pointed out the need to continuously update regulations and procedures to adapt to new security threats and challenges.
This blog post was originally written in Spanish and has been translated into English; therefore, certain nuances or expressions may vary slightly from the original language.
The views and opinions presented in this article belong solely to the author and do not necessarily represent the stance of the International Code of Conduct Association (ICoCA).