Private Security Vs. Public Security in the United States

Private security in the United States often has a reputation for being lax compared public security. The comic movie "Mall Cop" plays on this stereotype. However, many private security officers have more sophisticated training than some public police officers. Private security often plays a preventative role, whereas public security responds to incidents once they occur. Public and private security systems must work side-by-side to ensure safety and protection.

Police Presence

If you have ever spent time in a country without the kind of police presence the United States is generally blessed to have, then you know how important such a police presence is. Businesses and residents in many Third World countries are forced to provide their own private security at a great expense in order to keep the peace.

Pockets of impoverished urban areas within the United States have inadequate police protection, and some rural areas lack sufficient coverage. In these cases, people have found ways to protect themselves, often by invoking their Second Amendment rights. Sometimes individuals can do so irresponsibly--without adequate training--or illegally--obtaining weapons that are not permitted in the United States. An adequate police presence helps to make sure individuals are protected on more equal terms.

Private Security

Areas such as apartments, business complexes, transit stations and retail centers need additional security to protect property as well as individuals. Private security companies provide services ranging from armed and unarmed security to uniformed and plainclothes security, from electronic security surveillance to vehicle inspection/bomb detection, and from executive/personal protection to preparation for high- and low-security-threat scenarios.

No Guns

Some communities within the United States have laws that prohibit private security officers from carrying guns. Packing heat is not only intimidating to people, but it can also invite incidents involving guns. However, many security guards will still carry a stun gun or other form of personal protection.

Double Duty

It is common for police officers to have a part-time security job when they are off-duty, such as providing security at a dance club on the weekends. Doing so can be tempting because of the good money that private security jobs generally offer, but it can be very stressful on officers to be on the alert so much of the time.

Military Experience

With the increased number of retired military officers in the United States today, both private and public security entities have the benefit of hiring from a well-trained and professional group of men and women. And we need them to help stop the ever more sophisticated threats on U.S. soil. The world post-911 is forever changed. Both public and private security entities play important roles in helping us maintain the freedoms we enjoy.

References

• Roles of private security entities