NCJ Number
152215
Journal
Juristat Volume: 14 Issue: 10 Dated: (March 1994) Pages: complete issue
Date Published
1994
Length
18 pages
Annotation
This report discusses the development of the private security industry in Canada and provides statistical information on its recent growth. The report uses similar information on public police forces to provide context and allow comparisons.
Abstract
Private security and public police forces both grew dramatically between 1971 and 1991, but the number of private security guards increased by 125 percent during that period, while the number of police officers rose by 41 percent. In fact, the total number of Canadian private security employees outnumbered police officers by slightly more than two to one by 1991. In that year, the number of women private investigators, guards, and police officers represented 23 percent, 24 percent, and 7 percent of their respective totals. In general, the western provinces of Canada showed greater increases in the number of private investigators, compared to central and eastern provinces. The report notes that the responsibilities of the two types of officers differ, with police officers sworn to protect the public, while private officers work for the interests of their clients. 5 figures, 4 tables, 4 notes, and 10 references