Private Security Is Growing Fast

The private security industry is growing very fast; with various diverse posts ranging from “walking the beat” in a mall, securing a concert event to securing for private armies (providing military level combat support). For centuries there has always been a need for security as a part of the human condition. The early societies had to also provide security due to warfare and thieves (pillaging) by groups or individuals. So to prevent or alleviate loss of property and life, societies employed designated military personnel or other individuals to perform “night watches” to safeguard against attacks, prevent losses and to maintain order. In the more modern sense, security as a whole has advanced and developed alongside law enforcement, especially in their contribution to U.S. intelligence efforts and working alongside our military to defend our nation against attacks. However, private security companies have been scrutinized and given a bad reputation because of their many abuses of power and the misunderstandings of the goals in private security. This topic was selected because I feel that private security firms are important to our nation however, I feel that the use of force should only be used when it is deemed reasonably necessary under law, and when abused they should be held accountable. Conversely, this paper will compare and contrast various perspectives on private security and their use of force.  

Private security has advanced and begun to bridge the gap between law enforcement and the military. More and more companies are beginning to employ private security firms to protect, defend and guard their properties, persons and our nation. However, because of the actions of some private security firms, they have been put in the negative light and scrutinized because of their excessive use of force. There have even been uprisings and lawsuits as a result. In the article, “Private Security Guards: Privatized force and State Responsibility Under International...