# Mem 17: Registration Requirements for Private Security Companies (PSC) with Annexes

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COALITION PROVISIONAL AUTHORITY MEMORANDUM NUMBER 17
REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS FOR
PRIVATE SECURITY COMPANIES (PSC)
Pursuant to my authority as Administrator of the Coalition Provisional Authority (CPA),
and under the laws and usages of war, and consistent with relevant U.N. Security Council
resolutions, including Resolutions 1483, 1511 (2003) and 1546 (2004),
Recognizing that all Private Security Companies (PSC) need to be registered with the
Ministry of Trade and regulated by the Ministry of Interior, and that various CPA orders
and memoranda, and Iraqi law provide guidance for PSC operations (see Annex C),
Noting that a number of PSC and their employees are already operating in Iraq without
the benefit of appropriate registration and authorization of the Ministry of Interior and
Trade,
Desiring to establish a mechanism whereby all PSC will be registered, regulated and
vetted and to update Iraqi law as it relates to PSC,
I hereby promulgate the following:
Section 1
Purpose and Definitions
1) This Memorandum provides guidance for PSC that intend to operate within Iraq.
Annex A provides binding Rules for the Use of Force that must be adhered to by
all PSC, their officers and employees. Annex B is a Code of Conduct that all PSC
must follow.
a) “Private Security Company” means a private business, properly registered with
the Ministry of Interior (MOI) and Ministry of Trade (MOT) that seeks to gain
commercial benefits and financial profit by providing security services to
individuals, businesses and organizations, governmental or otherwise.
b) “Weapons Card” means a card issued by the MOI under Section 6 of this
Memorandum.
c) “Business License” means a document issued by the MOT under Company
Law No. 21 of 1997, as amended by CPA Order 64 that proves that the PSC has
been validly registered to carry on business in Iraq.
d) “Operating License” means a license issued by the MOI under this
Memorandum, which permits PSC to operate in Iraq.
CPA/MEM/26 June 2004/17
� Section 2
Registration, Vetting and Licensing
1) PSC may not operate in Iraq without a:
a) Business License and an Operating License, or
b) Temporary Operating License.
Any PSC operating without the necessary Licenses will be in breach of Iraqi law and
subject to prosecution.
2) In order to obtain a Business License PSC shall apply to the MOT for registration
under the Company Law, No. 21 of 1997, as amended by CPA Order 64.
3) PSC that have been granted or applied for a Business License may apply to the
PSC Registration and Vetting Office of the Ministry of Interior for an Operating
License.
4) An application for an Operating License must include the following information:
a) a copy of the PSC Business License or proof that an application for a Business
License has been lodged;
b) the full names of all employees, company officers and directors, and proof of
registration of the company, and if the PSC is registered in a State other than
Iraq proof of registration of the company in its home State;
c) details of the work PSC will be carrying out in Iraq, including any relevant
documentation (e.g. a copy of any contracts for services or statement of intent
to hire the PSC, including details of number of employees and customers); and
d) details and serial numbers of all weapons that may be used by the PSC.
5) PSC, their officers and employees will be vetted by the MOI according to the
criteria below to ensure that any criminal or hostile elements are identified and to
prevent attempts by illegal organizations (e.g. criminal organizations, illegal
militias) to legitimize their activities.
6) In order to comply with MOI vetting standards, employees of PSC must:
a) Be older than 20 years;
b) Be mentally and physically fit for duties;
c) Be willing to respect the law and all human rights and freedoms of all citizens
of the country;
d) Pass a security/background check, that confirms:
CPA/MEM/26 June 2004/17
� i.
compliance with the amended CPA Order Number 1 (De-Ba`athification of
Iraqi Society);
ii.
no prior felony convictions; and
iii. no history of involvement in terrorist activity; and
e) Receive operations and weapons training to the minimum standard set for the
Facilities Protection Service.
7) For non-Iraqi employees, the MOI may accept a copy of a comparable
certification from a foreign Governmental authority issued pursuant to its official
rules and procedures to meet some or all of the requirements in Section 2(6),
above
8) Other reasonable vetting procedures and requirements may be added by the MOI
to ensure necessary standards are met. In such case, new procedures and
requirements shall be published no less than 60 days before they are to take effect.
Section 3
Bonds and Insurance
1) PSC must submit a minimum refundable bond of US$25,000 or the equivalent
sum in Iraqi Dinars, to the MOI before commencing operations in Iraq and being
granted an Operating License or Temporary Operating License. Additional bonds,
to be determined by the MOI, may be required depending on the number of
employees of the PSC. The amount of the bond will increase as the number of
employees increases, in accordance with an internationally recognized pro-rata
industry-wide scale to be determined by the MOI. This scale shall be published 30
days before any additional bond requirement are to take effect. Any changes in
bonding requirements will be approved by the Minister of Interior, and published
in writing no less than 60 days before institution.
2) Failure to provide information to the MOI as required by Section 7 may result in
forfeiture of the bond lodged in accordance with Section 3(1) or part thereof. MOI
shall provide the PSC with written notice of any breaches and allow a one week
grace period to come into compliance before any forfeiture of the bond or part
thereof takes effect.
3) While the standards laid out in this Memorandum provide the minimum
requirements, any breaches of Iraq or other applicable law by employees or
companies may result in forfeiture of the bond by the MOI lodged in accordance
with Section 3(1) or part thereof and may result in a review and revocation of the
Operating License of the PSC. Where a PSC, or an employee of that PSC,
breaches this Memorandum or any other law in force in Iraq, the MOI may declare
CPA/MEM/26 June 2004/17
� the bond or any part thereof forfeit. Any such decision to declare the bond forfeit
must be based on reasonable grounds and be proportional to the breach of the law
initiating such action. The MOI will take into account actions taken by the PSC
with respect to individual violations (e.g. termination, prompt and open
coordination with law enforcement) in determining whether a PSC should forfeit
its bond or any part thereof.
4) PSC must submit evidence that they have sufficient public liability insurance to
cover possible claims against them for a reasonable amount to be advised and
published by the MOI. If securing such insurance is not practicable the PSC will
inform the MOI in writing and seek an exemption from this requirement.
5) Bonds will be refunded within 30 days if PSC ceases operation in Iraq unless there
are reasonable grounds to believe that PSC have failed to comply with this
Memorandum.
Section 4
Refusal, Suspension or Revocation of Licenses, and Provisional Licenses
1) The MOI will grant Temporary Operating Licenses pending completion of the
licensing processes of the MOT and MOI. The minimum requirements for the
grant of a Temporary license are:
a) Submission to MOI of proof that an application for a Business License has been
lodged with the MOT; and
b) Submission to the MOI of an application for an Operating License, including
any other requirements that the MOI may notify.
2) Operating Licenses may be suspended, revoked or refused in accordance with the
following provisions:
a) The MOI may, at their sole reasonable discretion, refuse to grant an Operating
License if the conditions of this Memorandum are not met. The reason for the
decision shall be communicated to the applicant in writing. The applicant may
reapply for an Operating License after taking remedial action with respect to the
breaches identified by the MOI.
b) Where a PSC, or an employee of that PSC, breaches this Memorandum or any
other law in force in Iraq, the MOI may suspend or revoke the Operating
License. Any such decision to revoke or suspend an operating license must be
based on reasonable grounds and be proportional to the breach of the law
initiating such action. If the Operating License is revoked, the bond, or part
thereof, lodged in accordance with Section 3(1) will be forfeited. The MOI will
take into account actions taken by the PSC with respect to individual violations
CPA/MEM/26 June 2004/17
� (e.g. termination, prompt and open coordination with law enforcement) in
determining whether a PSC should forfeit its license as the result of such
violations.
c) Where a PSC application for an Operating License is deficient in any way, the
MOI may grant a Provisional Operating License for a specified period of time.
The grant of an Operating License will be subject to the applicant
demonstrating that they have remedied the deficiency (e.g., providing complete
information to allow background checks on all employees, or giving
appropriate training to all employees).
3) Any Provisional or Temporary Operating License will be cancelled if:
a) either of the applications for the Business and Operating License is denied or
withdrawn; or
b) on the grant by the MOI of a full Operating License.
4) Unless it has been affirmatively denied a Business License or Operating License,
notwithstanding the provisions of this Memorandum, PSC may operate without a
Business License, Operating License or Temporary Operating License until 31
August 2004 or such later date as determined by MOI, pending completion of the
requirements of this Memorandum.
Section 5
Audit
PSC are liable to periodic audits by the MOI regarding their operations in Iraq. All
audits will be carried out by an independent auditing firm engaged for this purpose
by MOI. The purpose of MOI audits is to ensure that the standards set out in Section
2(6) above are being maintained. Financial audits may also be carried out by MOT.
Section 6
Weapons
1) Where an Operating License is granted, or the Minister of Interior accepts the
certification or guarantee of a Diplomatic or Consular Mission under Section
10(5), the MOI shall issue Weapons Cards to those PSC employees who will bear
arms as part of their duties. Such Weapons Card shall constitute a license to
possess and use firearms. PSC must instruct employees to carry their Weapons
Cards whenever carrying a weapon. All PSC employees must carry the relevant
Weapons Cards when in possession of any PSC weapon. If a PSC’s Temporary,
Provisional or full Operating License, certification, or guarantee is revoked, all
Weapons Cards issued to the employee of that PSC shall be returned to the MOI.
CPA/MEM/26 June 2004/17
� 2) Where a Temporary License is granted, the MOI shall also issue Temporary
Weapons Cards to those PSC employees who will bear arms as part of their duties.
Such Temporary Weapons Cards shall constitute a license to possess and use
firearms. PSC must instruct employees to carry their Temporary Weapons Cards
whenever carrying a weapon. All PSC employees must carry the relevant
Temporary Weapons Cards when in possession of any PSC weapon.
3) A PSC intending to import weapons into Iraq must obtain from the MOI a
weapons import certificate. The PSC must provide details of all weapons and their
serial numbers to MOI immediately upon importation.
4) The use of weapons by PSC shall be regulated as follows:
a) PSC shall notify the MOI of details and serial numbers of all weapons in its
possession.
b) PSC will notify the MOI of any changes in the PSC’s weapons inventory within
one (1) month of such changes.
c) PSC shall store all weapons and ammunition in a secure armory or other secure
facility.
d) PSC shall ensure that only employees carrying Weapons Cards may carry
weapons and only when such employees are on official duty. PSC shall also
ensure that its employees return all PSC weapons to the armory or other secure
facility, as the case may be, when no longer on duty. This provision does not
restrict the right of PSC employees to carry weapons while not on duty under
the provisions of other Iraqi laws.
e) PSC may only own and its employees may only use categories of weapons
allowed by CPA Order Number 3 (Revised) (Amended) Weapons Control,
other applicable Iraqi law.
f) Under no circumstance may privately owned weapons be used for PSC duties.
Section 7
Provision of Further Information
On request, PSC must provide the following information to the MOI every six (6)
months: financial and employment records, contract status, weapons data, and any
other data the MOI may advise they require. Failure to comply may result in
revocation of the PSC Operating License. MOI shall provide the PSC with a written
notice of any failure to comply with this provision and a one week grace period to
comply before any revocation of an Operating License.
CPA/MEM/26 June 2004/17
� Section 8
Oversight Committee
MOI will establish an independent PSC Oversight Committee that will have general
inspection and auditing responsibility (consistent with the provisions of CPA Order
57, Iraqi Inspectors General) over the implementation of this Memorandum. Such
oversight shall include assessing enforcement of the standards set forth in this
Memorandum as well as equitable and non-discriminatory treatment of PSC. The
Minister will appoint the members of the Committee, which shall include the
Inspector General of MOI, who shall be the only MOI representative on the
committee, a member of the Judiciary and a representative of the MOT. The PSC
Oversight Committee will report annually to the Minister on the implementation of
this Memorandum.
Section 9
Limitations and Responsibilities of Private Security Companies
1) The primary role of PSC is deterrence. No PSC or PSC employee may conduct
any law enforcement functions.
2) A licensed PSC shall be responsible for the actions of its employees. PSC officers
and employees may be held liable under applicable criminal and civil legal codes,
including the Iraqi Penal Code Law Number 111 of 1969 as amended, the Iraqi
Weapons Code of 1992 as amended, and the CPA Order Number 3 Weapons
Control, except as otherwise provided by law.
3) PSC are subject to, and must comply with all applicable criminal, administrative,
commercial and civil laws and regulations, except as otherwise provided by law.
4) PSC must conduct operations in accordance with the provisions of the Rules for
the Use of Force in Annex A and the MOI PSC Code of Conduct in Annex B.
Section 10
Implementation and Review
1) Nothing in this Memorandum is intended to prevent PSC from conducting
operations consistent with and as permitted by the Iraqi Law, including those laws
in Annex C.
2) Nothing in this Memorandum is intended to limit or abridge relevant privileges or
immunities provided by Iraqi law or applicable international agreements.
CPA/MEM/26 June 2004/17
� Section 12
Annexes
Annex A: USE OF FORCE
Annex B: CODE OF CONDUCT FOR PSCs OPERATING IN IRAQ
Annex C: REFERENCES
CPA/MEM/26 June 2004/17
� Annex A: USE OF FORCE
RULES FOR THE USE OF FORCE BY CONTRACTORS IN IRAQ
NOTHING IN THESE RULES LIMITS YOUR INHERENT RIGHT TO TAKE
ACTION NECESSARY TO DEFEND YOURSELF.
1. CONTRACTED SECURITY FORCES: Cooperate with Coalition, Multi-national
and Iraqi Security Forces and comply with theater force protection policies. Do not avoid
or run Coalition, Multi-national or Iraqi Security Force checkpoints. If authorized to
carry weapons, do not aim them at Coalition, Multi-national or Iraqi Security Forces.
2. USE OF DEADLY FORCE: Deadly force is that force which one reasonably
believes will cause death or serious bodily harm. You may use NECESSARY FORCE,
up to and including deadly force, against persons in the following circumstances:
a. In self-defense.
b. In defense of persons as specified in your contract.
c. To prevent life threatening offenses against civilians.
3. GRADUATED FORCE: You should use graduated force where possible. The
following are some techniques you can use if their use will not unnecessarily endanger
you or others.
a. SHOUT; verbal warnings to HALT.
b. SHOVE; physically restrain, block access, or detain.
c. SHOW; your weapon and demonstrate intent to use it.
d. SHOOT; to remove the threat only where necessary.
4. IF YOU MUST FIRE YOUR WEAPON:
(1) Fire only aimed shots.
(2) Fire with due regard for the safety of innocent bystanders.
(3) Immediately report incident and request assistance.
5. CIVILIANS: Treat Civilians with Dignity and Respect.
a. Make every effort to avoid civilian casualties.
b. You may stop, detain, search, and disarm civilian persons if required for your
safety or if specified in your contract.
c. Civilians will be treated humanely.
CPA/MEM/26 June 2004/17
� d. Detained civilians will be turned over to the Iraqi Police or Coalition or Multinational
Forces as soon as possible.
6. WEAPONS POSSESSION AND USE: Possession and use of weapons must be
authorized by the Ministry of Interior and must be specified in your contract.
a. You must carry proof of weapons authorization.
b. You will maintain a current weapons training record.
c. You may not join Coalition or Multi-national Forces in combat operations except
in self-defense or in defense of persons as specified in your contracts.
d. You must follow Coalition or Multi-national Force weapons condition rules for
loading and clearing.
CPA/MEM/26 June 2004/17
� Annex B: CODE OF CONDUCT FOR PRIVATE SECURITY COMPANIES
OPERATING IN IRAQ
Private Security Company Code of Conduct for Operations in Iraq
As a duly registered and vetted Private Security Company, the following pledge is made:
To conduct operations professionally with honesty, sincerity, integrity, fidelity, morality
and good conscience in all dealings with clients
To preserve forever clients' confidence under any and all circumstances consistent with
law and deal justly, and impartially with each situation with each individual, irrespective
of social, political, racial, ethnic, or religious considerations, economic status, or physical
characteristics.
To conduct all operations within the bounds of legality, morality, and professional ethics.
To counsel clients against any illegal or unethical course of action.
To explain to the full satisfaction of clients all applicable fees and charges and to render
accurate, factual and timely reports.
To support to the best of ability the professionalism of Private Security Companies
operating in Iraq; to contribute to better community relations; through work and deed to
elevate the status of the Private Security Company profession.
To ensure that all employees adhere to this code of conduct.
CPA/MEM/26 June 2004/17
� Annex C:
COALITION PROVISIONAL AUTHORITY ORDER 3 (REVISED) (AMENDED)
WEAPONS CONTROL
COALITION PROVISIONAL AUTHORITY MEMORANDUM 5
IMPLEMENTATION OF WEAPONS CONTROL ORDER NO.3
COALITION PROVISIONAL AUTHORITY MEMORANDUM 5A
MEMO 5 ANNEX A
COALITION PROVISIONAL AUTHORITY ORDER 27
ESTABLISHMENT OF THE FACILITIES PROTECTION SERVICE
COALITION PROVISIONAL AUTHORITY ORDER 54
TRADE LIBERALIZATION POLICY WITH ANNEX A
COALITION PROVISIONAL AUTHORITY ORDER 64
AMENDMENT TO THE COMPANY LAW NUMBER 21 OF 1997
COALITION PROVISIONAL AUTHORITY ORDER 91
REGULATION OF ARMED FORCES AND MILITIAS WITHIN IRAQ
CPA/MEM/26 June 2004/17
This work is in the public domain in the United States because it is a work of the United States federal government (see 17 U.S.C. 105).
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