The History of Private Security

The concept of protection is as old as time. The first time it rained, humans sought protection from the elements. Once people began engaging in criminal behavior, it wasn't long before the idea of security was born.

History

Archaeological evidence including cave paintings shows that early mankind was concerned with enforcing the social code and protecting life and property. Public law enforcement and private security were one and the same until the late 19th century. The earliest known written law is the Code of Hammurabi, written in about 2000 B.C., and the Old Testament of the Bible. In about 600 B.C. to 500 B.C., the Greeks devised systems to protect their highways and their rulers. During the reign of King Alfred in England (A.D. 872 to A.D. 901), the concept of "citizen's arrest" first appeared. The king also established standard punishments for certain offenses, including fines. Our modern sheriff's office has its roots in this period, as the king appointed "shire-reeves" to control the business of certain portions of the kingdom.

Significance

During the Middle Ages, significant advancement in the concepts of law and justice took place. The Magna Carta, which later became the foundation of the Fifth Amendment to the United States Constitution, was issued by King John. By the 18th century, the first plainclothes detective unit was formed and referred to as the Bow Street Runners. The beginning of today's police force began in 1829, when uniformed and salaried police officers were employed full time for the first time in history.

Private Security

Alan Pinkerton, with a background in police work, began the first private detective agency in the mid-19th century. His company was the first investigative agency able to function on a national level. Brinks Incorporated was formed in 1889 for the purpose of protecting payrolls and property. William J. Burns Inc. was formed in 1909 as a private detective agency and became the American Banking Association's investigative unit. These companies are referred to as the "Original Three." By 1914, the railroads had obtained authority to create their own security units that could act with full police powers.

Growth

During World War II, thousands of military men were trained in law enforcement and intelligence, and the allied countries established agencies to protect against espionage and sabotage. The Cold War created the need for background investigations and security clearances, which provided civilian jobs for these highly trained individuals.

Today

The United States today has more than 10,000 private security companies that bring in a revenue of more than $15 billion each year. Those employed by private security companies far outnumber public police employees, and the number of private security guards employed in the United States is expected to increase faster than that of other businesses.

References

• History of Private Security
• History of Private Security Part 2
• Private Police and Industrial Security