A five-year agreement of cooperation was signed between the Ministry of

Interior, General Department of the National Police, and the security firm MPA

Ltd., at the Intercontinental Hotel March 2.

Chuck Krueger, MPA's Country

Manager, said the agreement commits the parties to work in cooperation to ensure

security and safety of the public and property.

"There is a worldwide

movement towards privatization of security services. It is less expensive [for

governments] and people get better service," said Krueger.

The Government

is concerned with employment for demobilized troops and police and private

security companies provide an ideal work environment for people with their

skills.

MPA will have to meet certain regulations to operate. MPA's

security guards will not be allowed to use deadly force or carry firearms and

stun-guns, nor will the guards have handcuffs, said Krueger, adding official

permission must be obtained if they carry batons on duty.

Krueger said

the Ministry of Interior wants private security firms in Cambodia to provide the

eyes and ears for the police.

MPA will provide the first layer of

protection , "the cop on the beat," he said.

According to the agreement,

if the security guards identify a problem or crime, the police will immediately

respond and pursue an investigation.

"We will be wired in. We'll be doing

things the police need done, and they will be providing the response," said

Krueger.

MPA now provides security for factories, residences and offices,

but the company will explore the possibility of providing neighborhood security

services in future.