Private security industry over 30,000 guards strong; more than 300 companies

Jamaica's private security sector continues to be a significant component of the nation's safety infrastructure, boasting over 300 companies and more than 30,000 registered guards as of 2025. This growth reflects the industry's expanding role.

According to the Planning Institute of Jamaica's (PIOJ) Economic and Social Survey, regulatory activity within the sector saw an uptick. A total of 331 security organizations were registered or renewed their registrations, an increase from 311 in 2024. Notably, 30 of these were newly registered, marking a substantial 20.0 percent rise compared to the prior year.

The total number of registered security guards, private investigators, and trainers also grew. The survey recorded 30,013 individuals in these roles, up from 28,124 in the preceding period. Male registrants increased to 18,286 from 17,430, while female registrants rose to 11,727 from 10,694.

While unarmed registrants still form the majority, the number of both armed and unarmed personnel saw increases. Unarmed registrants grew by 7.2 percent to 25,802, and armed registrants increased by 3.8 percent to 4,211. This expansion highlights the sustained demand and development within Jamaica's private security landscape.