RT: Private security companies have been the subject of huge controversy in Iraq and internationally--arguably never more so than during the Blackwater massacre in Baghdad on September 16th 2007. In March 2012, the Iraqi government came close to expelling all foreign contractors from Iraq, but avoided this move due to their huge importance to Iraq's economy. What changes have you seen in the last few years to the way private security companies do business in Iraq?
HA: Controversies and disputes will always occur in the absence of a mandates that sets rules and regulation for the conduct of any operation, especially when it has to deal with security. The coalition forces and the CPA had so many things to worry about and tackle after the successful invasion of Iraq that time was not their strong suit hence the absence of guidelines for the security companies.
When the reconstruction started, the big companies had to provide their own security and operated unbound by restrictions or constraints. The Blackwater massacre was the result and it was one of many, some were reported and others were not. That incident was the straw that broke the camel's back. The Iraqi government was quick to respond with strict directives especially after the coalition forces left the country. The main changes I have seen with the way we do our business are the ever growing rules and procedures and the tendering processes used by current international clients.
All PSC’s must follow strict rules and procedures; these are not just the MOI/GOI imposed ones but internationally recognized ones required to work alongside the International Oil Companies (IOCs). These are to name a few: ‘International Code of Conduct for Private Security Service Providers’, ‘The Montreux Document’, The Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights’ and then all the IOCs have specific Security Minimum Standards (SMS).
All of these must be followed at all times to ensure contract compliance. In the IOC SMS it stipulates all of the qualifications required; these are of a very high international standard and can only be certified by recognized training centers. For example all Shell teams require a Tier 2 Paramedic on all teams and locations. We at Al Sajer also ensure we train all Iraqi team members and keep standards to the highest levels possible. Due to having a Highfield registered trainer employed this is normally to Level 3 First Aid at Work (FAW) and also Health and Safety in the work place.
What also needs to be considered is that for every contract there is a strict Tender phase where the companies Financials are looked at, and a Request for Proposal (RFP) is sent out. Once this has been sent out a select few (normally 5 – 10) companies are selected and a technical tender is requested and then submitted. Once these have been vetted and assessed the decision is jointly made with the following considerations: Cost, Quality, Standard and past experience. On the award and before anything can go live (contract start) the teams / locations will then be subjected to a strict Audit from the ‘Companies Security Manager’ once this is passed and completed only then can the Contract actually start. Within all contracts there are strict conditions and penalty clauses.
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