Pros and Cons of Private Security

Modern society has effectively cut down on humans taking matters into their own hands regarding disputes over land, robberies, property boundaries, arson, and the remainder of colorful palette of civil and criminal violations. Although there are thousands of crimes committed around the world every day, government police forces discourage serial and opportunistic criminals from engaging in malicious behavior. Furthermore, police help maintain peace in societies by punishing criminals through throwing them in jail or threatening them with incarceration through probation and parole.

In civil, first-world societies, government-employed police officers can charge people with crimes, detain them with handcuffs, take them to jail, use guns in life-threatening situations, stun guns to subdue aggressive criminals, and otherwise use force against problem causers. The primary objective of government police agencies and their officers is to maintain order, welfare a nation's citizens, and keeping the public safe of everyday harm.

What are the primary differences between police and private security?

Private security guards don't have the same privileges as police officers. They're charged as criminals if they shoot someone -- given self-defense is not involved -- rather than investigated by police forces' superiors. Security guards aren't always armed, whereas government-based policemen always have a firearm and stun gun. The primary difference between private security and policeman are their scope of focus: policemen focus on their area's entire society; whereas private security guards focus on one person, a group of people, or whatever their customer appoints them to.

Public police can be ordered to work a concert, baseball game, or other event, although they usually patrol their areas of duty and serve that region's citizens. Private security guards are always ordered to serve something other than the public, another difference these two groups share.

Advantages of Private Security Guards

They sometimes work with actual police
Police officers must undergo rigorous academy training and shadow certified, experienced officers to learn what it's like to be a cop. This extensive training turns many people off from being cops. Private security guards, however, typically undergo a series of security classes which prepare them for their career in security services. They also often work alongside police, communicating about enforcing particular areas to stay on the same page. This is better for society, police agencies, and private security altogether.

Not as many rules or regulations
If police forces receive complaints about officers, they must investigate their claims. This sometimes results in government agencies ousting their officers, placing liabilities and blame on them, rather than the police force taking the short end of the stick.

Private security organizations are different, not pulling the proverbial plug on their employees if they mess up.

Some never wear police uniforms, providing stealth

Obviously, some policemen don't wear badge and uniform for few events, resulting in more stealth. However, most police other than permanent undercover officers must wear their uniforms. While this doesn't provide stealth, it does establish a secure police presence.

Private security guards are instructed to wear whatever their employers or customers wish. Many customers never require their private security members to wear orderly, pressed uniforms like their government-ran counterparts often do.

It's actually unlawful for more than a few police members to wear nondescript clothing. Officers that aren't always in plainclothes attire run the risk of people finding out they're actually cops. Private security doesn't often run this risk, facilitating stealth when it's needed most.

Ability to take perpetrators under arrest
Believe it or not, private guards can take suspected criminals, trespassers, and vandals under arrest using the same handcuffs government police officers wrap around criminals' wrists. Without being able to arrest someone, the power of police and private guards are significantly lesser than what they are in actuality. Lawmakers realize this, giving private guards this power many years ago.

The Downfalls of Private Security Guards

Don't pay as much as police forces
While some private security companies or independent clients pay far better than most police agencies, these are exceptions to the rule. Government police organizations almost always pay more than private companies.

Those working in private security literally put their lives on the line for guarding the areas, people, and consciences they're hired to defend. Policemen share this disadvantage, as well, although criminals might not be able to identify security guards as authorized private security sentinels. This could result in potentially deadly situations.

Being a security guard is far from easy
People who drop out of police academies often do so because of its difficulty. While private guards aren't required to undergo this heavy physical activity, their everyday jobs are sometimes harder than cops', as they don't get to patrol around in police vehicles.

Often requires a college degree
Unlike many police forces, a majority of private security agencies require applicants to hold a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited insinuation prior to hire.

Next Steps: Security Guard License Training

So what are the next steps? First, you'll want to research how to get security guard license for your specific state or region. Then you'll want to ensure you have all requirements in place before committing to a program. Then set your goals, work hard, earn your security license, and get to work! Becoming a security guard is a great way to protect our citizens while earning a respectable wage and taking care of yourself and your family. Military veterans often receive priority over other applicants as well, so take that as an added boost of confidence as you pursue you career in security services!