What is a Private Security Firm?

Private security firms are licensed security companies that hire security officers to provide protection to people, property or assets to their clientele. Private security is all around us, shopping malls, schools, hospitals, gyms, churches, theaters and maybe at your place of employment. Since they seem to be everywhere, it would be beneficial for you to not only know what motivates a security officer and how they are trained, but also why private security firms have become such a vital tool in our society.

History:

In the year 438 the first working concept of security started in Europe, and was known as "Constables or Watchmen." They were commissioned by a government or society to deter crime and provide law enforcement. What you would know as modern American security was started in Chicago, Illinois in 1850, by Allan Pinkerton, and was known as the Pinkerton Detective Agency.

Function:

Most states require a license in order to be employed as a security officer. An initial time of training is required in order to receive a guard license. These training hours vary from state to state.

Most firms teach the Detect, Deter, Observe, and Report methodology. Detection and deterrence of crime is what motivates a security officer; doing so can fully or partially stop a loss from happening.

Security officers are usually uniformed, showing a high visibility presence to deter criminal activity. Security patrols are done of the buildings and grounds by means of a foot or vehicle patrol. Video monitoring can be used in addition to patrols, giving more complete visual coverage of the property.

Once a crime, injury or disaster has been discovered, a security officer would be dispatched to the location of the disturbance, then determining what level of response needs to be taken. The security officer may call for the police or fire department, and then utilize his training as a first responder; rendering first aid for the injured or taking steps to alleviate the effects of a disaster. When it comes to a crime, the security officer would call for police response, and start a preliminary investigation by protecting the crime scene and interviewing all witnesses. The last thing that private security does to bring an investigation to a close is to write a detailed report. Incident reports should cover all the facts; the who, what, when, where, how and why; and can be used in court upon request by a lawyer.

Types:

There are two main types of security firms:

• Private Security Firms-"Proprietary or contract." Proprietary security is hired from within a company to provide in-house services. Contract security companies provide protection services for many outside clients. If need be, an officer can initiate a "citizen's arrest," and may or may not be armed.

• Public Security or Security Police. Persons that are employed by or for a government agency that provides security services on their property. They may be peace officers who have full arrest powers and are often armed. This type would also include off-duty police officers working for a private company.

Misconceptions:

"Private Security Contractors" or "Private Military Contractors," can be confused with normal private security. They are a private company that provides protection for people or assets, but their regard for public safety is not the same as standard private security. They protect by employing specialized military tactics for the government or a company, to stop any subversive acts of violence or terrorism. They can and will respond with immediate lethal force if necessary.

Expert Insight:

With the rise in criminal and property damage, there is a growing increase in public demand for the public security firm. Insurance companies regularly give large rate discounts to companies that employ security personnel; which reduces the chances of suffering a major loss, such as fires.