The idea seemed like a good one when the security minister outlined it last week.

The minister, Fernando Berrocal, was going to create strong links between the police and the 18,000 security guards who work in the country.

But the idea did not sit well with legislative deputies. They called Berrocal in to explain Wednesday. Lawmakers wanted to know if he was giving away any rights that belonged to the state.

The minister is about to sign an agreement on the topic with major security firms.

Berrocal said that at any time there are only about 2,500 officers of his 11,284 Fuerza Pública available to fight crime. Many police stations are in poor condition and many police vehicles are out of service awaiting repair, he said.

The agreement with the security firms would make guards auxiliaries to the police but without the power to arrest, pursue or do other activities reserved for police. But they will be expected to pass on information, he said.

Berrocal also said last week that some effort would be made to coordinate the radio frequencies of security guards so police could communicate with them.