Both public and private security agencies aim to ensure the public’s safety, but they accomplish this objective in very different ways. Both aim to maintain the general public’s safety, but they exercise distinct authorities and perform unique functions.
Although they share some similarities, working in public safety and protection for the police, a private security agency, or an individual offers extremely different conditions to do their jobs.
When on the property of a private citizen, private security officers have more leeway to take action than uniformed police officers do. It is because private security officers are not required to wear uniforms.
Because it is not the responsibility of a police officer to represent the property owner, things will not go well if the police are only present in their roles as county authorities. Law enforcement can be either publicly or privately provided. When comparing the two, what do you need to know?
Law Enforcement
Law enforcement officials frequently enter the “criminal realm” in their duties. Cases involving criminal activity are much more likely to be brought to their attention than everyday legal matters. Private security is more adept in civil problems like property rights, leasing agreements, etc.
Law enforcement officials are responsible for following the law to the letter and remaining conscious of their actions’ potential repercussions. They won’t do anything that could get them in trouble with the law or make a complaint against them in civil court.
Many people are curious whether private security companies are authorized to make arrests. Yes. They have the authority to make arrests, just like the police do, for any infraction of a municipal, county, state, or federal law that occurs within their presence, whether it be a violation of that law.
Private Security
When patrolling private property, they are hired to protect, and private security officers have greater authority than police law enforcement agents. A private security firm essentially acts as an agent of the property owner.
Because of their official status, police officers are bound by the constitution’s many requirements for government employees. According to the Bill of Rights, police officers have no right to question anyone about whether or not they have a legal right to be on private land.
It would violate the individual’s rights under the constitution. Possession of reasonable suspicion that a crime has been or is being committed is required before they can legally approach a person on private land. Private security guards are allowed to talk to anyone about anything on private property.
Law Enforcement Vs. Private Security
Whom Private Security Vs. Law Enforcement Protect
When compared to the duties of a municipal, state, or federal police officer, the job of a professional security guard is more narrowly defined.
Police officers typically work for the same local, municipal, or county government that employs the police department where they live and work. Depending on the agency, their authority may cover an entire state, city, or county.
When it comes to the public’s well-being and security, they put everything else second. The jurisdiction of private security and police forces is typically limited to the private property they are hired to protect, such as an apartment complex or a hospital.
The purpose of private security services is to safeguard their clients and their possessions at all times and in any location. When on duty, law enforcement officials for a given town, county, or state are authorized to enforce the law wherever within that jurisdiction.
However, the constitution restricts their actions if they respond to a call that does not include criminal behavior. Private security guards and police officers are afforded more leeway on their clients’ premises than public security personnel. To provide security, they have the permission of the property owner.
The Job Security of Private Security Guards vs. Law Enforcement
Compared to private security guards, whose employment is contingent upon their performance and contracts, those working for public law enforcement agencies may enjoy greater job stability. However, law enforcement officer is subject to greater political pressure because they may be terminated anytime without cause.
Moreover, pay increases in certain law enforcement agencies are becoming performance-based. All agencies are contracted by cities, towns, and counties whose elected officials frequently change. In either case, you should expect to gain valuable experience and move up the corporate ladder.
Local law enforcement agents have more prospects for promotion and specialization inside their agency. Private security guards, like police officers, can switch careers and advance in their companies. These are the main distinctions between private security firms and regular police departments.
It could be more to your liking to do contract work for a private company or individual. It’s also possible that working as a sworn officer for a law enforcement agency appeals to you because of the opportunity to serve and protect the community in which you reside. These are equally great options for a professional future.
The Arrest Powers Of Private Security Vs. Police
Private property owners have little recourse against local law authorities when conducting a valid arrest. The word “legal” is essential here. In this context, “good faith” arrests made by police are included.
For instance, officers may run across a suspect whose warrant status has been verified by dispatch. But if there was no active warrant for the person’s arrest, they are presumed to be acting lawfully.
Fewer private security firms have the authority to make arrests like public police departments when compared to public police. It is contingent upon the competence of the private entity and the laws of the area in which they operate.
They must contact local authorities for assistance with most criminal detentions and investigations. Unless they are off-duty police officers sworn in by the local law enforcement agency with jurisdiction, firms that employ security professionals are subject to the same restrictions.
Unfortunately, local law enforcement is limited in the number of misdemeanors they may arrest on private property. Common infractions include driving under the influence, trespassing, assault, and battery against a family member, though specific laws differ by state.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Are Law Enforcement and Security the Same Thing?
In the state’s name, law enforcement officials perform a necessary function local, state, or federal. Security guards are employed both by private companies and by individuals. Enforcement of the law is the responsibility of the police. Respond to any criminal activity on their allocated property and protect it under security.
Have private security guards been given the same powers as public law enforcement?
Because of state and local limitations, the police only have a certain amount of power. Because of laws that protect private property, security guards are only permitted to work in particular parts of the country. The police may question nobody, and no action may be taken against their property.
How do public and private security relate?
Law enforcement officials are authorized to stop, question, and detain anyone in the community regardless of their color, nationality, or gender. To make citizen arrests is the extent of the private security guard’s authority. The Fifth Amendment guarantees that people’s searches are illegal without the individual’s consent.
Is There a Distinction Between Law Enforcement and Security?
Protecting people and property from harm, including criminal acts, accidents, and natural disasters, is the job of security guards in both public and private settings. A police officer’s other duty is maintaining peace and order in the community by regular patrols of all public areas.
Can Private Security Be Compared to Law Enforcement?
As a matter of security law, guards are prohibited from carrying it out. Thus its enforcement is your only option. Security guards perform an important service for private companies. This way, they ensure that the company’s assets and employees are safe from harm.
How much power does private security have?
A private guard does not have any additional authority in public that anyone else does. He also cannot issue a citation or write an arrest citation against anyone else. Security personnel is responsible for protecting private property as their duties grow more extensive.
Conclusion
Many law enforcement officers think they are more vital than private security guards, and these officers might not completely understand the relevance of private security guards. As a result, they can choose not to engage in conversation with the latter.
It is reasonable to suppose that law enforcement and private security would maintain open communication channels, given the perception that private security has a higher social status than law enforcement.
On the other hand, the intense feelings displayed by private security guards and the murky relationship between them and law enforcement may imply that they do not feel on the same footing with the latter. It will be impossible to compel coordination between private security and law enforcement if communication channels between the two agencies are not kept open. CWP
Community Watch Paper posts:
When To Call The Police On Your Neighbors
Police Misconduct: and how it affects our communities
References