The private security industry includes companies that provide private security guards and patrol vehicles and ancillary services such as alarm systems, armored transport, background screening, cybersecurity, investigation, and security consultancy services.
Security is a reference to protection from potential harm or coercion. Although it generally refers to protection from a hostile force, private security is sometimes engaged, by those who can afford it, for peace of mind.
Also known as security officers, security inspectors, factory guards, or protective agents, private security guards are employed by private parties, corporations, or government agencies to protect the employing party's assets from a variety of hazards, which may include crime, damages, unsafe behavior, or waste.
Security guards may accomplish their duties through patrol, by car, or by walking, or they might be stationed in a guard booth, at an entrance gate, or by monitoring alarm systems or video surveillance cameras.
Security guards differ from police officers in that they are employed to protect specific people and property, while the police protect the public and enforce laws. In other words, security guards represent private businesses and individuals, while police officers represent the government.
While many security guards have undergone the same training as police officers, others have not. In general, the level of training required of a security guard is less than that of a police officer.
Security police officers are employed by corporations or governmental agencies to provide security services to those properties. They protect facilities, properties, personnel, users, and visitors, and can enforce certain laws and administrative regulations. Security police differ from police in that they have limited arrest authority and a more limited focus.
Private security companies are businesses that provide armed or unarmed security services and expertise to clients in the public or private sectors.
Private investigators, also known as private detectives, are professionals who can be hired by individuals or groups to undertake investigatory law services. They may also be employed by attorneys in civil and criminal cases. Private investigators are also sometimes engaged as process servers, and others specialize in technical surveillance counter-measures, anti-fraud work, loss prevention, and internal investigations of employee misconduct.
Security consultants specialize in security risk management and technical security design. They work with public security officials, building owners, developers, architects, and security managers to ensure that people, property, businesses, and government facilities are secure, or protected against loss and injury.
Cybersecurity (computer security, digital security, information technology security) refers to the protection of computer systems and networks from attacks that may result in unauthorized disclosure of information, identity theft, computer hacking, or damage to software, hardware, or data. Due to the reliance on computer systems and the Internet, as well as the expanded use of smartphones and other devices connected to the Internet of Things, cybersecurity is a growing industry.
This category includes cybersecurity as an industry, although hardware and software solutions for Computer Security, such as Firewalls, Virtual Private Networks, Encryption, and Antiviruses are listed in the Computers & Internet section of our guide.
Private security and investigative agencies are essential to the security and safety of people and property, as well as intellectual property and sensitive corporate information, and are used in a wide range of markets, from commercial to residential.
Private security includes all types of private organizations and individuals who provide a wide range of security-related services, including guard services, alarm monitoring, investigation, armored transport, correctional facilities management, systems integration and management, security consulting, pre-employment screening, information technology, and cybersecurity.
Law enforcement personnel serve the public at large and are primarily engaged in enforcing laws, preventing crime, investigating crime, and apprehending suspects, while private security acts on behalf of private interests, owing allegiance to clients and employers.
Categories
InvestigationProducts |
Recommended Resources
ADT is a US-based company providing residential and commercial electronic security, fire protection, and alarm monitoring services throughout the United States. Headquartered in Boca Raton, Florida, ADT was acquired by Apollo Global Management in 2016 and went public on the New York Stock Exchange in 2018. Founded in 1863, the company has more than 200 locations. Instructions for becoming an ADT dealer are given, and a list of dealerships is provided, with client testimonials.
https://www.adt.com/
The security product provider is part of the S&P 500, and headquartered in Dublin, Ireland. The company sells products in more than 130 countries around the world, operating through two divisions: Allegion International and Allegion Americas, employing about 12,000 people. Its residential and commercial products include electronic and mechanical locks, GPS trackers, portable locks, keys, and levers, as well as electronic and connected locks, and other security hardware and accessories.
https://www.allegion.com/
Headquartered in Virginia, ASIS International is a professional organization for security professionals. Founded as the American Society for Industrial Security in 1955, the organization took its current name in 2002. ASIS issues certifications, standards, and guidelines for the industry, and hosts educational and networking events known as the Global Security Exchange. Membership policies, professional development programs, publications, and other resources are featured.
https://www.asisonline.org/
The Brinks Company is a US-based private security and protection company founded in 1859. Until 2008, Brink's had a home security division known as Brink's Home Security, but it was spun off and rebranded as Broadview Security in 2009, and merged into ADT in 2010, where it does business as Monitronics. Brink's is active in more than 100 countries, where it is known for its bullet-resistant armored trucks that are used for carrying money and other valuable goods, and provides security services.
https://brinks.com/
Established in 2008 to solve the problem of lengthy and expensive employment background checks on employees of its staffing company. In 2014, the staffing company was sold, and the company focused on background investigations. Currently serving clients across the United States, Candid Research aims at same-day results on searches that would take weeks from other providers, using local court records rather than outdated national database records. Its services, pricing, and contacts are provided.
https://candidresearch.com/
Security consultant, Chris E. McGoey, evaluates security plans for commercial properties and businesses open to the public. Included in his services are consultations about workplace violence, crime, loss prevention, and security plan development, as well as analyzing the nature and crime risk of commercial property. He is also court-qualified to testify as a security expert witness in premises liability litigation cases. Media interviews, informational articles, and podcasts are included.
https://crimedoctor.com/
Experian is a multinational data analytics and consumer credit reporting company headquartered in Dublin, Ireland. In addition to its credit services, it also sells decision analytic and marketing assistance to businesses, including individual fingerprinting and targeting, online access to credit history, and products intended to protect from fraud and identity theft. Its global data breach services are intended to help businesses respond through custom plans and customer notifications.
https://www.experian.com/data-breach/
Offering home and business security, Guardian provides professional installation services, choosing the proper equipment, correct placement, and ensuring correct installation, as well as 24/7 monitoring. Its home and business automation systems, security packages, and security devices are defined, and information on getting started is provided, along with troubleshooting, customer support programs, license numbers, career opportunities, and its refer-a-friend program.
https://guardianprotection.com/
Founded by Terence Barton, Kingdom has become one of the largest national privately-run companies in the United Kingdom and India. The company provides security services for clients across all industry sectors, including security personnel, mobile security, security technology, security systems, security consulting, and risk management services, as well as recruiting, staffing, cleaning, healthcare, training, and local authority support. Its services, case studies, and contacts are included.
https://www.kingdom.co.uk/
Lockheed Martin is a security corporation that is engaged in the development, manufacturing, research, integration, and design of advanced technology systems, products, and services. The website has information about the corporation's business areas ranging from aeronautics, electronic systems, deterrence technology, information and global services, cybersecurity, and space systems. The website also features the company's press releases and offers career opportunities.
https://www.lockheedmartin.com/
National Security Inspectorate
The NSI is an independent, not-for-profit, UKAS-accredited certification body operating in the United Kingdom. Founded in 1971 as the National Supervisory Council for Intruder Alarms, it merged with a couple of other organizations to take its current name. in 2001. The NSI is responsible for approving professional security and fire safety providers in accordance with the International, British and Industry Standards and Codes of Practise. Specifiers and approved companies are listed.
https://www.nsi.org.uk/
Network System Architects, Inc.
Located in Colorado Springs, Colorado, NSAi provides consulting services, managed services, and product recommendations as advisors to IT directors, CTOs, and CIOs. Its services include consulting, engineering, implementation, and maintenance services for enterprise management, security, networking, systems, managed services, and cloud services. Client testimonials, publications, and contacts are published on the site, and team access is provided via private login.
https://www.nsai.net/
Providing professional security services, including private security, armed guard security, event security, residential security, retail security, and others, the security agency was founded in 1993, providing off-duty and retired law enforcement personnel for private security needs. With offices in California, Colorado, and Texas, the agency covers a variety of security applications, including standing guard and live patrols. Security services quotes may be requested online.
https://offdutyofficers.com/
Off Duty Officers: Private Security Services
Utilizing off-duty and retired law enforcement officers, the security agency offers private security services for gated communities and estates, HOAs, apartment complexes, reunions, weddings, political conventions, executives, and VIPs, as well as personal security and bodyguard services, charity events and fundraisers, government facilities, and construction sites. With offices in California, Colorado, and Texas, the agency has a wide reach in the United States.
https://offdutyofficers.com/private-security-services/
Only Local Locksmith: Philadelphia
Featuring multiple associated locksmith companies, whether someone is in need of a locksmith in South Philadelphia, Northeast Philadelphia, or West Philadelphia, one can be found here, including car lockout services, car key replacements, auto key extraction, transponder keys, as well as residential or commercial lock repairs, lockout services, new lock installations, rekeying old locks, or updating security systems. Payment options are posted and contacts are available.
https://www.onlylocallocksmith.com/locksmith-philadelphia-pa/
PPS is a commonly-owned group of security companies that include American Heritage Protective Services, JBM Patrol & Protection, Internal Security Associates, and SSA Security Group, offering armed and unarmed security officers, armed security by off-duty police, patrol, response, escort, and secure transport services, and security consulting, site assessment, emergency planning, and investigations. Its locations, services, industries, and contacts are featured.
https://www.patrolprotectsecure.com/
Picore International Private Security
Headquartered in Henderson, Nevada, the private security agency has offices in Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Detroit, and Houston, as well as partner companies in several other locations. The company specializes in armed robbery suppression services, armed and unarmed security services, special event security, executive and VIP protection services, threat assessment, and loss prevention services. Its leadership, services, awards, recognitions, and contacts are posted.
https://picoreinternational.com/
The security company offers four home security packages, which are compared side-by-side, with a list of features, and three business packages, described by size and industry, including prices and other details. Offering coverage from coast to coast, the site presents arguments in favor of using its services, as opposed to other alternatives. Case studies, white papers, customer testimonials, product demos, and subject matter interviews are presented in video form.
https://www.protection1.com/
Based in Houston, Texas, the private security company is available to provide services and products to homes, businesses, schools, churches, and government facilities. The company provides interactive security systems, security cameras, home automation, energy management, alarm installations, and alarm monitoring. Free installation and free activation are available with a 26-month monitoring agreement. Its address, telephone number, and statistical data are included.
https://www.safeguardhomesecurity.com/
Security Alarms for Safer Living
Established in 2010, the website is maintained by Online Security Solutions Limited, which promises a transparent view of the options, solutions, and products available in security systems, including information on wireless alarms, flat alarms, pet-friendly alarms, self-installation alarm systems, and a beginner's guide to alarms. Alarm prices, a cost calculator, and an online quote for homes, businesses, and both are included for the area of London, England.
https://securityalarms.co.uk/
Strategic Consortium of Intelligence Professionals
Previously known as the Society of Competitive Intelligence Professionals, the SCIP is a global non-profit organization of experts from industry, academia, government, and non-profits in strategic intelligence, such as competitive intelligence, market intelligence, market research, strategic analysis, business intelligence, and strategy. Founded in Washington, D.C., the SCIP is one of the only global membership organizations in the field of competitive intelligence and business strategy.
https://www.scip.org/
Founded in 2002, Sygma provides security and fire products and services. As an SSAIB (Security Systems and Alarms Inspection Board)- accredited supplier and an FIA and FPa-affiliated company, Sygma consistently meets the highest standards and relevant British standards governing the design, installation, commissioning, and maintenance of fire and security systems in commercial properties. Its security, fire, and electrical products, and maintenance services are set forth, with contacts.
https://sygma.co.uk/
Providing private security protection for high-net-worth individuals, residences, and corporate properties, the firm's approach is based on that of the U.S. Secret Service. Specializing in celebrity security, VIP protection, and bodyguard services, the firm operates worldwide and is based in Los Angeles, while its Los Angeles Executive Protection Services are divided into three elements: agents, estate security, and lifestyle. Its services, case studies, and contacts are provided.
https://www.worldprotectiongroup.com/
