NCJ Number
79383
Journal
Security Management Volume: 25 Issue: 9 Dated: (September 1981) Pages: 19-22,24
Date Published
1981
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This article takes a look at the future of the guard service industry and states that the third fastest growing U.S. occupation is that of security guards.
Abstract
Despite forecasts that guard service companies will provide nearly 60 percent of nonpublic protective services in 1990, the future of the guard service industry is not all positive. Reasons for concern include the possibility of abuses and corruption in the industry as it rapidly expands, the distorted images the public has about security guards, and regulations and court rulings that hamper guards' ability to perform their job functions effectively. The security industry is also endangered by the effect of increased training costs on overall operating costs, billing abuses by companies that are caught in the economic squeeze of trying to make a profit in difficult times, and criminal activity within the guard unions. Details of the battle between organized crime elements and the unions in trying to organize security guards in Atlantic City, N.J., are given. Tips for clients who need to purchase security services are included. No references are cited.