Private Security Vs. Police
States, cities and towns generally provide a public police force to enforce laws and protect the general public. Police officers fill an important need, but they may not be able to handle all of a community's needs. This is where private security comes in. Security personnel can perform some of the same duties as police officers, but they are also different.-
Definitions
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Police officers work for a publicly funded government organization or municipality, such as a state, county, city or town. The military also employs a police force, known as MPs or military police. Private security personnel work for a private company that handles its own recruiting, training and dispatching. As in any other service industry, private security is beholden to laws that restrict the authority of nonpolice law enforcers.
Similarities
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Private security agencies and police departments have much in common. Both employ men and women in uniform, along with support staff at a central office or dispatch location. Both types of agencies also recruit new members from criminal justice programs and offer in-house training. Where it is permitted by law, private security workers may even carry guns and make arrests, just like police officers.
Differences
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Some important differences set police officers apart from private security workers. Many of these have to do with the duties of each job. While police officers respond to emergency calls, monitor traffic and patrol public streets, private security personnel are more likely to guard a bank or retail store, drive an armored truck or provide security services for special events like sporting events and concerts.
Pros and Cons
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Each type of law enforcement agency has its own benefits and drawbacks. The powers of private security are limited under law, but workers often earn a higher wage and more comprehensive benefits. One drawback to private security is the question of accountability. Police officers are sworn to abide by departmental policy and subject to departmental discipline, but private security personnel may be difficult to prosecute for acts they commit while on duty.
Cooperation
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In an ideal scenario, police officers and private security personnel work together to ensure the safety of the community. While police departments are charged with responding to emergencies and handling basic law enforcement, private security can be a valuable tool for augmenting the size of the force in the event of a large-scale emergency or whenever additional security is needed. At the same time, private security may remove the need for police to attend to certain crimes, like petty theft and trespassing.
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