Private Security Services Abroad

The PSSA

Under Swiss Law, individuals (persons residing in Switzerland), private entities (including their personnel) and federal authorities operating in complex environments must comply with the Federal Act on Private Security Services Abroad (PSSA). The PSSA covers a wide range of issues, including but not limited to the following:

• Prohibitions under international humanitarian law (IHL) and human rights
• Requirement to declare activities (particularly by companies with operations abroad)
• Powers of the Export Controls and Private Security Services Section of the FDFA Division for Security Policy.
• Offences and penalties

Private and public entities, including federal authorities, with activities in complex environments, are increasingly grappling with security-related issues. The courses we offer are aimed at making entities and their personnel aware of their responsibilities under the PSSA in their specific field of operation.

Excel Security Training is recognised by the FDFA Division for Security Policy as qualified to develop and deliver specific training under the PSSA. We are EDUQUA-certified to guarantee the quality of our training.

The PSSA modules largely deal with international humanitarian law (IHL) and human rights in the context of security service provision, targeting companies operating and maintaining weapon systems and/or providing operational or logistical support to armed forces.

We have collaborated with a lawyer specialized in these areas to design well-researched and practical courses to help individuals, companies and their personnel comply with their legal obligations under the PSSA and international law.

Our target audience:

1. Individuals (Swiss citizens and residents)
2. Private security service providers with operations abroad
3. Companies providing services in connection with private security services e.g. training and recruitment of security personnel
4. Companies in the weapons manufacturing/logistics sector
5. Anyone interested in understanding the basics of IHL & Human rights

The approach and structure

We adopt a scenario-based approach in delivering the modules based on the client’s specific areas of activity. After each part, the learner takes a quiz to assess their knowledge of the content before moving on to the next part. We also issue a certificate of completion after successfully finishing each course.

Our training under the PSSA covers the following areas recommended by the FDFA – Division for Security Policy:

1. the protection of persons;
2. the guarding or surveillance of goods and properties;
3. security services at events;
4. the checking, detention, or searching of persons, searching of premises or containers, and seizure of objects;
5. guarding, caring for, and transporting prisoners; operating prison facilities; and assisting in the operation of camps for prisoners of war or civilian detainees;
6. operational or logistical support for armed or security forces;
7. operating and maintaining weapons systems;
8. advising or training members of armed or security forces; and
9. intelligence activities.

 Course Format:  

Please consult the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs website to see what training your organization and employees may require.

 https://www.eda.admin.ch/eda/en/home/foreign-policy/security-policy/bundesgesetz-ueber-die-im-ausland-erbrachten-privaten-sicherheit.html

Alternatively get in touch with us via email: info@excelsecuritysolutions.ch in order for us to develop a workshop tailored to your specific needs. Our courses can be taken online or in a classroom setting depending on your requirements.

#Security Training Courses