With the private security industry's focus now quite rightly on the future of the 'extended police family', maybe this is an opportune time to reflect on exactly where that family stands at present.
It seems to be an accepted fact that the police can operate more effectively with support from the private sector, and it's good to see that at operational level – albeit unofficial – partnerships do exist.

Indeed, in my own 'patch' of Yorkshire and Lancashire this summer, security officers can be seen in shopping malls, at sporting events and increasingly in other public areas. Sometimes working alongside – and always in support of – the police. Certainly, the same scenario will be true throughout the UK, and we should all be pleased that these 'partnerships' are working to the public's benefit. However, our image remains a problem, perpetuated by an entertainment media portraying a bad police/industry relationship which has – in my experience – never existed. It would certainly make a pleasant change to see a play, film or soap opera that portrays a positive image of the security officer.

I fully acknowledge that we have quite a long road to travel along the way towards a professional industry where relationships between police and private sector operatives are in place and seamless, but we're on our way.

Source

SMT

Postscript

Michael Lee is chairman of the British Security Industry Association's Police and Public Services Section, and managing director of Constant Security Ltd