Estate Police Association President Calls Out Unlawful Deductions and Bond Practices in Trinidad’s Private Security Sector

Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago – In a special segment of “Connections with Camera” on I-95.5 FM, host Cameron Fisher sat down with Mr. Derek Richardson, president of the Estate Police Association (EPA), to discuss mounting grievances among estate police and private-security officers.

Mr. Richardson opened the conversation by highlighting the pervasive “poor working conditions, disrespect and abuse” that officers face across the country. He explained that many of the challenges are legislative and employment-practice related, noting that the industry often imposes unlawful deductions from workers’ wages.

A central issue, Richardson said, is the practice of charging officers for uniforms, bonds and fines that are not stipulated in their contracts. He recounted the case of a young security guard who, after leaving his job, was asked to pay a $1,000 bond for uniforms before receiving his final salary. The employer also deducted amounts for alleged “damage” to equipment, despite the lack of any legal provision allowing such deductions.

Richardson stressed that only statutory deductions—such as contributions to the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) and health charges—are lawful. Any other deduction, including those for uniforms, bonds, or “fines” imposed for negligence, cannot be written into a contract. “If it isn’t in the contract, the employer has no right to take it from the employee’s pay,” he told Fisher.

The discussion moved to the Security Industry Bill, which, according to Richardson, would empower a regulatory authority to monitor private-security companies and curb exploitative practices. He urged the government to fast-track the legislation, emphasizing that many firms currently deduct large sums from workers, sometimes amounting to $7,500 in bond fees taken directly from salaries.

Richardson also warned that some employers require workers to pay for NIS contributions themselves, a practice that is illegal and deprives employees of their statutory benefits. He highlighted that contracts that attempt to waive these rights are void, and that workers should not sign away their lawful entitlements.

Throughout the interview, the host repeatedly encouraged listeners to report violations and to seek assistance from the EPA. He reinforced Richardson’s message that security officers must stand together to demand fair treatment and that the industry’s “unlawful practices” must be addressed at a national level.

The segment concluded with Richardson urging officers to avoid signing contracts that contain illegal clauses and to remain vigilant about their rights. The EPA pledged to continue raising awareness and supporting affected workers, while calling on policymakers to ensure the Security Industry Bill passes promptly.

This interview shines a spotlight on the systemic issues within Trinidad and Tobago’s private-security sector and underscores the urgent need for regulatory reform to protect the rights and livelihoods of estate police officers.