LUCKNOW, Feb. 13 -- In a major step to streamline and give a professional edge to the private security sector, the Uttar Pradesh Police has issued standard operating procedures (SOPs) for granting licences to training institutes which will train guards and supervisors within the state, senior police officials said through a press note on Friday.

The SOP was prepared by LR Kumar, inspector general, law and order, to formalise the recognition process for training institutions under the Private Security Agencies (Regulation) Act, 2005 (Pasara).

So far, private security agencies in Uttar Pradesh have largely depended on training centres located in other states to train their guards and supervisors. With more than 3,097 licences already issu...