By CLINT CHAN TACK Thursday, October 29 2009

SPECIAL focus has been placed on training the guards responsible for ensuring the safety of Prime Minister Patrick Manning and ensuring “preservation of the security inviolability of the premises which constitute the Official Residence of the Prime Minister and Diplomatic Centre.” This was revealed in the Office of the Prime Minister’s 2007/2008 Administrative Report which was laid in the Senate on Tuesday.

Last year the private security firm Executive Security Service (ESS) intensified its concentration on efforts to protect Manning and the premises of the PM’s Residence and Diplomatic Centre.

A total of 25 ESS agents were subjected to a five-week induction training course while an additional 18 agents were specially selected to form the tactical support team.

Nine agents received precepts and firearm users’ employees certificates from the Commissioner of Police.

Last January, 75 specially trained and armed guards from ESS were assigned to provide security at the PM’s office, residence, the Diplomatic Centre and serve as Manning’s personal security detail. The lowest ranking officer receives a monthly salary of $12,000 while the highest receives a monthly salary of $25,000. Some of the officers are retired police officers and former MTS guards. Security for the Prime Minister, his office and residence was previously the exclusive responsibility of the Police Special Branch.