State Industrial Security Force soon: DGP

KOCHI: The State Industrial Security Force (SISF) will come into existence this year. It will provide security cover to major industrial establishments and other key public installations. Armed security will be also be provided to private establishments on request, said Director-General of Police (DGP) Jacob Punnose.“The formation of the SISF is in its final stages. The guards have to be recruited. Police personnel will also be deputed to the force. The guards will be given armed training. We are looking to provide training for the SISF personnel by the central agencies like the CISF (Central Industrial Security Force) and the CRPF (Central Reserve Police Force),” the police sources said.“Besides key establishments like the Secretariat, dams and power plants, the service will be offered to banks, malls and other private institutions as well. The companies have to bear the cost,” the DGP said.Another highly-placed official with the Police Department said that with the introduction of the State Industrial Security Force, the private armed security guards at banks and other organisations would be replaced by the SISF personnel. “Other private security persons will not be permitted to use arms and ammunition, even if they possess license,” Jacob Punnose added.