Private Security Industry - Essay Example

Running Head: Private Security Industry Private Security Industry of Private Security Industry Introduction The private security industry has witnessed a phenomenal growth in the aftermath of the events of 9/11. In many countries, the growth in private security forces can be explained because of the chronic instability, civil wars, crime, and economic problems. The American private security industry has grown to an estimated sixty billion dollars as compared with public sector law enforcement agencies. The number of private guards has also increased as compared with national law enforcement agencies. European countries have also witnessed an unprecedented growth in the number of security services and organizations. Numerous reasons have been stated as being responsible for the huge proliferation of the private security industry. This industry is one of the fastest growing industries in the world. Private security agencies now provide services at the level of public security agencies. In some countries they are emerging as extending their services as government slash down their budgets while citizens are forced to take their own security measures. This paper assesses the reasons why private security has expanded as compared with public security forces. It analyzes and examines the causes which have led to the huge proliferation of private security forces. Private security The term private security is difficult to define because of the complex and diverse security services which are offered by different organizations and companies. Most companies provide expert and specific skills and proficiency in matters related to security. Some of these organizations have been operating as private armies in war zones like Iraq and Afghanistan. Some organizations are hired by private organizations to defend and protect key assets. Role of private security Private security forces provide a number of services which include the provision of guards, electronic devices, perimeter security, intrusion detection systems, and alarm systems for private clients. The provision of security guards is the largest segment of this industry. This segment employs millions of people to protect famous and rich people. Specialized guards are also available for the defense and protection of commercial and business organizations. Many public places have also set up private security guards in response to threats of terrorism and crime. Electronic security systems are also installed by private security agencies because they are effective against intruders or security threats. The cheap cost of technology has made electronic security systems vital for the security of some private firms (Gill 222, 2006). Perimeter security services consist of protecting the perimeters and boundaries of buildings and installations. The aim is to set up a defensive perimeter system which prevents or reduces the chances of terrorists or criminals from infiltrating the building or installation. Intrusion detection systems can consist of CCTV cameras and X-ray machines which can detect any intruder or concealed weaponry. These systems are also provided by private security agencies. Conventional security systems like alarm systems, special locks, and devices are also used by private organizations and individuals (Gill 223, 2006). These systems have been in use for decades as they have contributed to the safety of individuals. Some private security forces provide guards and technology to government officials and private organizations operating inside war zones like Iraq and Afghanistan. Reasons for growth of private security industry Numerous reasons have been provided for the growth of private security agencies. Many private companies have begun to own shopping plazas and shops which have led to the growth of private security agencies. Local governments in many countries are also outsourcing the security of public places to security agencies. Economic and demographic changes are also being cited as causing the growth of such agencies. As governments are unable or unwilling to increase the budgets of public security forces, people are resorting to the expertise of private agencies (Gill 300, 2006). Government agencies are simply overstretched and constrained by budgetary limitations as requests for the deployment of security personnel have increased. Rich and affluent people have taken matters into their own hands by acquiring the services of private security forces. The huge demand has led to an impressive increase in the number of agencies which are operating. Globalization has spearheaded the need for the outsourcing of tasks which governments once performed. In war zones like Iraq and Afghanistan, Western governments have hired private security companies to provide expertise and services related to security (Gill 301, 2006). This has included the provision of body guards for Western officials, protection of private citizens, and security services for local government allies. Multinational organizations are also relying on private security forces for the security of their assets and personnel rather than relying on corrupt local forces. This has led to the impressive number of agencies operating abroad and working for multinational organizations. Difference between private security and public security The difference between private security and public security forces is very vague. Private security forces are now providing a number of duties which can include the use of securing borders and maintaining law and order inside the borders (George 122, 2000). Traditionally these services were provided by the state but the advent of globalization and outsourcing of such services has led to private companies increasingly taking such roles. The securing of vital sites has become an increasingly private job. This has included the provision of security guards, electronic surveillance systems, and intrusion detection systems. Governments are even outsourcing the defense and protection of public places to private security services. Private security services operating inside war zones have taken combat roles. They have been hired by local governments, multinational companies, and Western governments to provide a large set of expertise and services. This has included peacekeeping services to the training of local security forces. Security consultancy has gained an important place for several states. Security companies have been offering advice and training of the defense of strategic and vital assets. Local police forces have been trained to fight against terrorism, narcotics, and criminal elements. The supply of weapons and transportation equipment is one area where private security forces are increasing their role. Security personnel man and command sophisticated weapons platforms for Western or non Western armies. In some areas like Iraq and Afghanistan, private security personnel are even engaged in combat against local insurgent forces. Factors that differentiate between private and public The increase in threats of crime and terrorism inside countries has led to the proliferation of private security agencies. The growth of the industry has been due to the increased demand for security systems and personnel. Inside Western countries, private security organizations rent out security guards for the protection of property and individuals. Business organizations can now hire security experts without the need to ask for government assistance in providing protection. One major difference that highlights the difference between state security forces and private security forces is the fact that the latter are paid to provide such services. Public security agencies in many countries have been inadequately funded and trained which has led to the growth of private security organizations. Private forces have access to better training, resources, and personnel as compared with public forces. However private security forces have been accused of using illegal tactics for their clients. Private detectives for instance have used illegal means like wiretapping and breaking into premises to satisfy their clients (George 100, 2000). The huge expansion and proliferation of private agencies has led to governments attempting to regulate the phenomenon. There have other concerns like the fact that some of these organizations do not provide the quality service which they claim. Several countries in the European Union have enforced standards and policies for the regulation and licensing of private security organizations (George 102, 2000). The United States of America on the other hand does not have a comprehensive regulation system of private security agencies. Conclusion Private security agencies have been proliferating due to the increase in the terrorist and criminal incidents. The failure of state security services to protect and defend their nationals has led to private contractors taking up the role. The difference between state and private security services is very vague. This has been because the private security agencies have been taking the roles which were traditionally and historically assigned to the state security forces. State forces are being limited by budgetary and training constraints to protect effective defense and security to individuals and organizations. Private security agencies are being used inside the borders and outside the borders. In war zones they have been hired to protect people, train local forces, and fight insurgent forces. Inside Western countries they have been hired to provide guards for vital business and commercial organizations. They have also provided security systems and electronic surveillance systems to the organizations. The problem of regulation has been significant as many Western governments have attempted to create standardized and categorized policies and procedures which set up minimum standards for such private security agencies. The rapid changes in urbanization, globalization, and demographic changes have been cited as the main reason for the increase in the growth of the private security industry. Private security agencies will continue to provide a wide range of expertise and services but governments will attempt to regulate and prevent abuses associated in the industry. There have been concerns about the risks of private security organizations and some of the illegal work which has been done to satisfy clients. References: George, B. And Button, M. (2000) "Private Security", Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan. Gill, M. (ed) (2006) "The Handbook of Security", Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan. Read More