Public Policing Versus Private Security

Public Policing versus Private Security

University of Phoenix / AJS 504

Public Policing versus Private Security

Over time the lines between public police and private security have become blurred.  The roles and responsibilities of each, along with the command structure can appear to be very similar while also having vast differences. There are very clear tasks that are handled specifically by the police, and there are other areas of “policing” that are handled by both sides, as the system of public police and private security are often overlapping, they are complimentary and supportive of each other. The similarities and difference in leadership roles, essential policies of both and a comprehensive security plan for public police and private security.

Similarities and Differences

First let us look at what they both are, the public police “are a government service provided at local, county, state, or federal levels. Public police follow strict requirements, training, and certification.” and “Companies, people, or organizations to protect their private property and/or personnel hire private security companies.” (“Public Policing vs. Private Security,” 2014, para 2.)  There are a number of similarities and differences between public policing and private security.  Deterrence of crime being the main similarities, others include creating a command presence, being able to observe people without being detected, serving the public and private sectors depending on their role, as well as paperwork, reports and other duties as assigned. Like public policing, private security officers can get tasked with menial jobs such as guarding a truck, or a home, or a building.  This is where the similarities tend to end.  

Public police are sworn peace officers that are trained through a rigorous academy and are sword to protect and serve as a right of their badge.  Private security officers may also have a semblance of training and some have a badge, however their “power” is very different.  Private security is more concerned with protection of people, places, things, where as public police are tasked with enforcement of the law and all that goes with it.  Private security duties will emulate those of public police in areas such as; crime and loss prevention, detections and investigations.  Public police have “powers” that are applicable in their jurisdiction and once they cross outside of that, other law enforcement needs to be called in. Their jurisdiction is within the city or county limits in where they are assigned.  Depending on the private security company, their jurisdiction is wherever the client, or package, or item goes allowing them to have a larger area of jurisdiction of sorts. Events that take place within or outside of a jurisdiction can be dissected more with public police than with private security.  Allowing for an extra buffer, of sorts within the hands of the security. (“Public Policing vs. Private Security,” 2014).