How does local law enforcement really view SIA security and private security industry?
The Security Research Initiative (SRI) surveyed more than 1,000 serving police officers questioning them on their professional view of the private security sector. Specifically they wanted to understand how individual officers felt about a collaboration between the two sectors – something which has become more and more of a regular occurrence due to resourcing issues and spikes in particular types of crimes. The survey considered what support, if any, there was for the immersion of private security into what has typically been “police work”.
The purpose of the survey was to look at what opportunities there were for the private security sector within UK law enforcement.
The report concluded that although both parties had a general interest in working collaboratively there was a still a substantial mistrust between the two - more specifically from the police.
Over 70% of the police felt that although they respected the excellent work of the private industry, they believed that private security plays only a minor role in protecting the public. They saw value in a collaboration within limited confines and felt generally the private security industry did little to enhance the UK policing brand.
The general perception from police officers of the private security industry and levels of trust was low. Officers emphasised the vigorous training and disciplines they themselves were made to adhere to, and felt this was a key factor absent from the private security force.
Perhaps surprisingly, the SRI report also concluded that motivation in the private security sector to undertake police work is minimal at best. The general consensus was that supporting or working with the police in the public space had its limitations. Public trust, the police themselves and the pressure of greater responsibilities were contributing deterrents.
Many felt that a lack of leadership and planning in relation to such a collaboration was the reason why it had had limited success so far with the subsequent SRI report - ‘Towards a Strategy for Change for the Security Sector’, resolving that the potential of the private security industry had not adequately been harnessed and its role under played in public protection.
In reality the report notes that what is an obvious and rather major stumbling block is the law itself - which prohibits SIA security personnel from carrying any form of lethal weapon, even those used for self-defence.
The survey and report highlight a number of interesting considerations – at what many feel is a turning point in state policing. Police Watchdog internal findings have revealed that the police force is facing a ‘national crisis’ in the number of new recruits joining the organisation. This, alongside growing crime rates and an increase threat level in terrorism would suggest that a merger is needed and perhaps inevitable.
Already, officials both in Law enforcement and the private industry have seen the potential benefits of private security assisting as first responders and working under delegated responsibility. Pilots are being rolled out in Scotland all through summer 2018 with a focus on the role that private security can have in counter terrorism.
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