Chapter 32
Private Security and Law Enforcement Cooperation
Abstract
Over the past several years, security and law enforcement professions have actively worked together to assist one another. This chapter provides examples of how this cooperation can be increased and fostered at an organization and the benefit that can be provided.
Keywords
Disaster planning; Public liaison officer; Rent-a-copIn recent years, a much closer relationship between the private security industry and law enforcement has been developing. At one time, there existed a lack of respect on the part of many law enforcement officers toward private security officers. “Rent-a-cop” was a slang term that became synonymous with security officers when referred to by many in the general public. Gradually, this negative perception has begun to change and is still evolving. There are many reasons why this change has occurred:
1. More law enforcement officers “moonlight” or work a second job as a security officer.
2. The training and education of security officers has improved.
3. Many current law enforcement officers worked as security officers while attending college.
4. Security officers, along with police and fire personnel, bravely performed their duties on the morning of September 11, 2001 after the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center. According to an article from the International Federation of Protection Officers, 33 security officers (federally referred to as security officers for statistical purposes) were killed at the World Trade Center towers during the attacks [1].
There are many reasons that security and law enforcement and organizations should cooperate with each other. Besides the most fundamental reason of mutual respect, the objectives of both professions are generally the same—“to serve and protect”.
Geoff Craighead, in High Rise Security and Fire Life Safety stated, “There is a strong underlying reason for such a relationship that is of mutual benefit to both law enforcement and the private security representative: the common objective of crime prevention” [2].
Craighead added that a building security representative can develop relationships with both law enforcement and fire officials that will greatly assist in the overall security of a facility and its employees. Craighead suggested that clear lines of communications be established between the security representative and usually the law enforcement public liaison officer. “Building management should support any public service education appropriate to the building and offered by law enforcement and fire department agencies.” In addition, he suggested that law enforcement be invited for a tour of the facility to view the security program [3]. In some cities, police departments are given access to a building’s camera system (i.e., exterior cameras in a downtown location) or are permitted to install a police closed-circuit television camera on private property due to its location.
One of the best reasons for maintaining good relationships with public agencies is the many benefits gained from disaster exercises performed jointly. “If thoroughly prepared and properly executed, these exercises can be of great educational value to building staff, tenants, residents and all outside agencies and groups who participate, and they can greatly assist in developing working relationships with local fire and law enforcement agencies” [4].
Finally, Craighead suggested that a facility invite law enforcement and fire department representatives to give presentations to building occupants. For example, representatives of police bomb squads can often provide interesting and helpful information regarding bombs and bomb threats. Fire departments, particularly in large cities where generally more staff are available, may do special presentations on fire life safety.
Presentations by law enforcement and fire departments can not only can benefit the building concerned, but they can also assist these public agencies in their efforts to control crime and promote public safety [4].
Summary
• Security officers, along with police and fire personnel, bravely performed their duties on the morning of September 11, 2001 as a result of the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center. According to an article from the International Federation of Protection Officers, 33 security officers were killed at the World Trade Center towers during the attacks.
• There are many reasons that security and law enforcement and organizations should cooperate with each other. Beside the most fundamental reason of mutual respect, the objectives of both professions are generally the same—“to serve and protect”.
• One of the best reasons for maintaining good relationships with public agencies is the many benefits gained from disaster exercises performed jointly.
• Presentations by law enforcement and fire departments can not only benefit the building concerned, but they can also assist these public agencies in their efforts to control crime and promote public safety.
Exercises
1. While a security officer may not have direct contact with a police officer or a fireman, how might the security officer assist building or facility management in improving cooperation with public law and fire department officials?
2. Do you know any police officers who once worked as security officers? Ask them if their security experience assisted them in obtaining their current job.
3. What role did security officers perform in New York City on September 11, 2001?
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