Police Retain Licensing Authority for Unarmed Security Guards

The Firearms and Ammunition Control Board (FACB) has clarified that the Commissioner of Police will continue to be responsible for the approval and licensing of unarmed security guards, despite recent legislative changes.  The announcement comes after the Private Security and Investigation Services (Control) (Amendment) Act, 2024, came into effect to clearly define the roles of various regulatory bodies within Belize’s security sector.  Under the amended law, the FACB is now the sole authority for licensing and regulating firearms used by private security companies and armed security personnel. However, the Commissioner of Police retains full authority over the vetting, licensing, and approval of unarmed security guards.  This means the FACB no longer has jurisdiction to process applications for unarmed security personnel. Any such applications received by the FACB have been forwarded to the Office of the Commissioner of Police.  Private security companies and individuals seeking approval to work as unarmed guards are advised to submit their applications directly to the Belize Police Department. This should be done in accordance with the procedures outlined in the Private Security and Investigation Services (Control) Act, Chapter 138:01 of the Laws of Belize.