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Economic realities have forced many communities to reassess public safety resources. This climate has forced some local, county and state law enforcement agencies to slash budgets, creating less manpower and the need for alternative solutions. To remedy the burden, some police departments have established a cohesive partnership with a local contract security services provider. This relationship can progress in a variety of ways, but as with any relationship, all involved need a mutual understanding of roles and benefits. When I work with Police Chiefs, they want to know how these partnerships work and what makes them successful. This is what I share:
Leadership Support
When public and private forces work in unison they create solutions stronger than either can do alone. A robust commitment from police leadership is the cornerstone of crime prevention. The same type of dedication and a strong display of support is necessary for a public-private partnership to flourish.
Collaboration, Not Competition
Private security can support police agencies by relieving them of routine calls and responsibilities. Security officers are not police officers – their role is not to replace but to supplement police officers who can then focus solely on their law enforcement duties. They are a force multiplier.
Quality and Professionalism
The security services industry has rapidly evolved. These highly trained professionals often share many of the same skills as police. In some contracted services, the required qualifications for security officers are the same as they are for police officers. They must have graduated from a recognized police academy, pass the same background checks, and even have a few years of police experience. In addition, many private security personnel have prior military or law enforcement experience.
Security Officer Capabilities
Whether there’s a need for crowd control, campus or business district patrols, lock out assistance or customer service, security officers can work in tandem with police officers in many ways, creating more opportunity for police to focus their attention where it is needed most.
Regardless of the level of partnership – from information sharing and casual interaction to formal, contractual collaboration – police and security working together always benefits our communities. Read more about public-private partnerships between police and security providers.
About the Author
Charles Bohnenberger is Vice President of Government Services Business Development for Allied Universal. He is a former senior advisor to Pennsylvania Governor Tom Ridge.
