By Ainsley Walters, Staff Reporter 
Jason McKay, of McKay Security and Courier Services. - Michael Sloley /Freelance Photographer
JASON McKay wants to take the business of offering security services beyond the traditional provision of a sentry with a gun or dog. He recently qualified as a forensic investigator, adding another dimension to McKay Security and Courier Services (MSC) which he started in 1994.
Already, a recognised trial investigator, working on cases of national interest such as the Braeton Inquest and the Tahj Burrell murder, McKay said he started out as a private investigator in 1989, protecting witnesses before his alliance with attorneys got him involved in trial work, most times as a prosecution witness.
McKay's latest venture into forensic investigation is a key service his company offers, making MSC a small but potent player in the local security industry, he said.
Forensic investigation primarily deals with how an investigation is conducted analysing, segregating and evaluating a crime scene for the purpose of recreating what transpired.
"The advantage we have is being more specialised," he pointed out, commenting on the edge his company holds over the more established names in the field.
"I don't know of another company doing forensic investigation locally. After doing a few cases, primarily Braeton, I realised there seemed to be a lack of quality in the field so I got qualified through the Metropolitan Police Institute in Miami."
McKay said offering quality security service means keeping within limitations.
"I only take on a few customers at a time because doing so ensures we're not just giving you a guard with a gun. The customers' business means something to us."
And he points to one recent development that should also benefit clients. An information-sharing pact between local security companies and the Jamaica Constabulary Force should boost overall security in the country, the MSC boss said.
"It is being done professionally," he explained. "Security guards should do so with a smile on their faces. We're supposed to assist. I see no shame in being called an informer."
Working in the security field comes with its share of venom from the general public, an obstacle McKay faces regularly.
"Because you're not the police, people take it personally, particularly when you're doing trial work against them," said McKay, a member of the International Council of Investigators.
"Whereas they would look at it as the police doing their job, for us they tend to behave as if it's a personal issue. It creates some level of hatred against us," he added.
Acceptance in the courts did not come easily either.
"It has been a difficult process which is becoming easier but still not where it should be," he said, relating incidents of wariness displayed by judges.
"My line of work is common in the United States. Forensic investigation makes up a major part of criminal investigation abroad."
As for the hazards of the job, McKay said he has never lost a security guard but there have been numerous cases of injuries, which forced his members to use necessary force such as mace, more commonly known as 'pepper spray'.
"If you can't secure yourself, you're not supposed to be securing other people," he said, commenting on his personal safety.
"As a habit, I try avoiding places where I feel vulnerable. If I can do better I don't go alone. This is something other people should do generally. Far too many people in this country are killed or robbed while pursuing entertainment."
For today's general election, Mckay Security will be busy safeguarding its clients properties.
"Last election we helped to move ballot boxes," he said. "This time we're putting all our resources into ensuring the protection of our customers."
