What Is the Differerence Between Public Policing & Private Security?

Citizens across the U.S. rely upon police and security forces.

Police agencies and private security firms both provide services within the United States. However, there are differences in the duties and qualifications of these two kinds of entities. Private companies typically rely upon security firms, while the general public expects protection from its police force.

History

Public police forces and private security firms trace their history in the U.S. to the mid 1800s. By the middle of the 20th century, industrial corporations began to demand the services of private security companies in great numbers. According to the Law Library, there are more than 10,000 private security firms in operation today.

Function

According the the Bureau of Labor Statistics, public police officers are sworn to protect the general public and make arrests when necessary. Private security officers are often hired by companies to protect company property or assets. Private security personnel typically call on police officers to resolve issues that occur on private property.

Considerations

Police and private security firms help protect society's assets.

Private security firms provide corporations with added protection that a public police force simply would not have the resources to handle. Municipal police officers, due to their responsibilities to the general public, must pass a number of training and certification requirements.

References

• Law Library: Police: Private Police and Industrial Security
• Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-2011 Edition, Police and Detectives
• Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-2011 Edition, Security Guards and Gaming Surveillance Officers