PHNOM PENH – National police chief Sar Thet has told private security service agencies and recruitment companies to avoid hiring foreigners for security services.

He gave the instruction on Jan. 16 when he met private agencies at the Interior Ministry. 

Thet said the number of security guards recruited must be reported regularly to register their biography on the ministry’s digital management system.

Their address must be submitted to the local authority by a proper administrative application. 

“The agencies must send their guards for training on their duty, tasks and basic lessons before sending them to work,” Thet said.  

“Employers must consistently improve the ability, professionalism, discipline, dignity, ethics, behavior and physique of the employees, too.” 

Thet suggested that private agencies use uniforms and logos that differ from those of national police or public institutions' security. 

National Police spokesman Chhay Kim Khoeun could not be reached for further details. 

Sixty-eight courses have been offered for private security agencies, training 11,432 guards (247 women) and 268 national police (27 women). 

The courses aim to build capacity for guards to become skilled and eligible to maintain and protect peace, security and order as well as to enhance the implementation of the Safe Village-Commune policy. 

Originally written in Khmer for Thmey Thmey, this story was translated by Meng Seavmey for Cambodianess.