Business View Caribbean NOV 2022

BUSINESS VIEW CARIBBEAN VOLUME 9, ISSUE 11 BUSINESS VIEW CARIBBEAN VOLUME 9, ISSUE 11 31 30 Amforce considers itself to be the most effective and efficient contract security provider, called upon at a moment’s notice to respond and diffuse any situation. Its customized, individualized security services surpass the standards of the industry in today’s ever-changing climate. That helps to ensure the safety and security of its clients. When Amforce was first established, it focused on preventing larcenies of valuable farm crops. For example, the stealing of one truck of coconuts alone might cost a farmer $6,000 in revenue. So as Amforce grew over the years, it became adept at setting up stings and using sources to anticipate and track down where crimes might be committed against clients. These services actually can support the law enforcement efforts within the community in Trinidad. The country gives broad powers to private security companies like Amforce, which includes just about all rights and powers that a police officer has up to a certain rank. Amforce professionals can arrest suspects, carry and use firearms, and even support the prosecution. They can work in conjunction with law enforcement officials to solve crimes that involve Amforce’s clients. “We have a very deep respect for our law enforcement friends because most of them are really good, hardworking individuals who want to help people who have been (wronged),” Raymond says. Amforce’s main goals are to protect a client’s compound using the broad powers it is given. Hiring and training staff is an important process Given the growth that Amforce has experienced over the years, it is almost always looking to hire professionals for open positions. Yet it only hires about 10 percent of the candidates it interviews. Says Raymond, “we want to make sure our employees are the right fit because (a private security officer) is not for everyone.” Background checks can take a lengthy amount of time to complete and many come back with red flags. In-house training is intense and never-ending. In fact, most officers who aren’t on a job spend their workday in class or improving their skills. Retired and current police and security officers host these courses. Raymond even hires attorneys to educate employees on their rights so they will be prepared to make decisions that are legal and justified while in the field. Raymond is committed to paying his professionals a very competitive wage because it is a job where they can often feel underappreciated. “The best officers we have go above and beyond what is needed and have an amazing work ethic,” he says. It’s why there is comparatively little turnover at Amforce compared to other private security companies in the Caribbean. One area of consistent training is how and when to use firearms. In recent years, criminals are escalating their use of force, and both law enforcement and private security companies are being forced to keep up. Team members use two different firearm ranges for target practice. Raymond expects the federal government to change its laws to allow expanded use of non- lethal tools like tasers and pepper spray. When that happens, his team will be prepared and ready to use them. “You train this way so if our officers have to use force, we know they will still be able to go home to their families,” Raymond says. Technology changes Just as it has in many industries, the technological advances in the private security industry have been significant in recent years. Mobile phones now provide the same level of communications services (and more) as two-way radios from two decades ago. Other types of modern surveillance equipment give officers the ability to see and hear what is happening at any site they are at, including inside vehicles. This data is constantly being gathered on behalf of clients 24 hours a day and it is up to the Amforce professionals to know how to use it to their advantage. According to Raymond, training and salaries are the biggest expenses the company has but purchasing high-tech tools provides the team with the data necessary to stay one step ahead of criminals. That technology is an increasing share of the company’s expenses but is incredibly important to successfully supporting clients. Amforce professionals need to understand how to use the equipment to support their clients, which is another segment of its training regimen. Partners make all the difference Raymond considers clients among his most valuable partners. They put their trust in Amforce CVA Ltd. is a premier private healthcare-provider group in Trinidad and Tobago, offering a wide variety of medical and pharmaceutical services, and has been proudly serving our community for over 25 years. CVA Pharmacy by CVA Limited CVA Pharmacy Services • CVA Pharmacy by CVA Ltd. is your one-stop shop for all your medicinal needs • Our Pharmacy chain boasts the first drive-through pharmacy in Trinidad &Tobago • CVA is the only Pharmacy chain in the country offering full-service online shopping • We provide online prescription refills, online counseling, and free delivery To shop online visit us now at: cvalimited.com/pharmacy BEST PRACT I CES IN BUS INESS & ECONOMI C DEVELOPMENT