“Private security is going to take over everything”…how a time magazine article misrepresented the industry.
Many in the private security industry saw the article earlier this summer in TIME magazine titled “Private Security Guards Are Replacing Police Across America.” It had a powerful headline, but that headline implies that private security companies may be in competition with law enforcement. We’re not.
At Arc One Protective Services, we work with local law enforcement. But, as funding for police is targeted and budgets are striped, and as many departments struggle to find new recruits, no one can deny the separate need for private security services.
In Philadelphia, Neil Patel owns a gas station. In December 2022, thieves stole an ATM from his property, and it took the local PD 6 hours to respond. After that incident, he realized he needed private security on site.
In most urban areas, gas stations are not always the safest places. Having an armed security officer at a local gas station would make some feel safer, others not so much. And, many security companies don’t deploy their officers to guard gas stations, as these locations are hotbeds for crime, specifically gun-related robberies.
Post Covid-19, we’ve all seen the rise in crime in our cities. From smash and grabs and catalytic convertor thefts to mass shootings and assaults, the rise in crime is undeniable. The article also notes a study from the Brennan Center for Justice, which notes that murders, assaults, and car thefts rose nationally in 2020. We can speculate what caused this rise, but the fact of the matter is, we’re just not as safe as we used to be.
Hiring private security can be seen as a luxury. The article definitely makes note of that. For many local shops in the path of violent riots or robberies, closing up shop was the only option. But, we’re seeing that more and more business owners are seeing the value in hiring private security. People don’t want to shop at a store if they don’t feel safe there. They don’t want to come to an event if they’re scared of their car being broken into while they’re inside. If your property or business or students’ security is of utmost importance to you, you’ll find a way to make them feel safe, so you can keep your doors open.
While police response times may be higher than we’ve seen in past years, shutting out local authorities will never be the smart option, and it will never be an option for Arc One. We have to work together to keep civilians safe.
Click here to read the TIME article.