NCJ Number
156375
Journal
Security Journal Volume: 6 Issue: 2 Dated: (May 1995) Pages: 101-105
Date Published
1995
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This paper describes the history, nature, and future of the private security industry in the United States.
Abstract
By 1992, private security expenditures exceeded $64 billion, compared to $35 billion for public law enforcement. Private security includes proprietary security, guard and patrol services, alarm services, private investigations, armored car services, locksmiths, consultants, and security equipment manufacturing and distributing. People have been concerned about physical security throughout history. In the 1800's, before the public police were established, private policing in England and the United States took the form of vigilante groups in urban areas and armed employees in rural areas. Private security has reappeared in recent years on the huge private tracts of land, such as shopping malls, where many public activities take place. It also may have increased due to the rising fear of crime in the society, an increase in crimes committed in the workplace, and an increased awareness and use of more effective self-help measures. The increase in tort litigation for negligent security is one factor stimulating the growth of private security. The forms of protective services continue to evolve and include both proprietary operations, contract services, and security entity serving consortiums of organizations. Security technology is increasing in importance; the growth in employment in the security industry will gradually level off. However, new forms of crime will continue to appear, requiring new security countermeasures. 38 references