Definition of Private Security

The various police forces of a country are part of the structure of a state. These bodies have the objective of ensuring the safety of the citizen. The actions carried out must be understood in the context of public security, that is, of the whole of the citizenship. In contrast to this model, there is private security.

Both public and private security are developed within a specific regulatory framework. As a general idea, it should be noted that in its public dimension, security is considered for all citizens, while private security is raised for those who can pay for a service complementary. As a general guideline, people who are dedicated to private security are known as security guards or assistants and have specific powers and training.

Particularities of private security

The most common services that private security guards carry out are the following: control of dependencies such as the metro, private companies or enclosures for housing, escort tasks, night surveillance in all types of establishments, etc.

As a general criterion, a private security guard should try to prevent any crime and protect the physical integrity of people and property where it carries out its activity labor.

Regarding the knowledge of private security professionals, various subjects are included: legislation penal, procedures judicial, psychology, use of weapons and personal defense, among others. The people who are going to exercise this activity have to pass some psychotechnical tests and obtain an authorization from the state that allows them to carry out their activity as security guards. Private security.

The debate on private security

In many countries there is a controversy about private security and especially in relation to companies and professionals who are dedicated to this activity. The debate social presents aspects that are potentially conflictive:

1) the use of weapons,

2) the training that professionals receive,

3) the socio-labor situation of the guards,

4) the difficulty in delimiting their functions within the framework of the law Y

5) cases of abuse of authority among the watchers.

The private security sector receives criticism in several senses. On the one hand, the security guards become a semi-police force, that is, a parallel police force, which generates a certain tension between the two security models. On the other hand, private security can become an instrument to limit the rights and freedoms of citizens.

Photos: iStock - laflor / grapho00