Public and Private Partnerships
Essential to Public Safety
Steve Jones
Our country’s police departments are under immense pressure to keep crime rates low despite whittled-
down budgets and a reduction in staffing. As the CEO of the largest contract security force in the United
States, I believe that improved public-private partnerships are essential. Over the past several decades, the
power of these relationships has risen to the forefront.
There are many respected organizations dedicated to fostering dialogue between public and private entities.
In the forefront are ASIS International’s Law Enforcement Liaison Council and the International Association of Chiefs
of Police (IACP) Private Sector Liaison Committee. These groups work to facilitate a collaborative environment
for members to engage in the development, research, and implementation of programs and activities which
foster cooperation and partnership between public law enforcement and private security professionals.
The majority of a typical police officer’s time is spent not on crime but on public nuisance and lifestyle
assistance issues such as responding to noise complaints, administering first aid, rescuing domestic
animals, and addressing public drunkenness. When private security works in partnership with law
National Security Officer Appreciation Week
September 16-22, 2018
enforcement to respond to these issues, police officers have more time to focus on solving crimes and
enforcing the laws of society.
Private security can supplement and support state, county and municipal police agencies by relieving
them of some of their service calls. As budget reductions result in reduced police officer forces, more
private and public enterprises are turning to contracted private security officers to supplement state,
county and municipal police agencies.
We are seeing this trend across all industries. The keys to success are the hiring of high quality security
professionals and the development of solid relationships between all public and private groups—whether or
not formal agreements exist. Private contracted security officers dedicated to specific posts or areas make a
significant impact on safety, security and caring for the people and businesses of our communities.
How can we honor these unsung professionals? The fourth annual National Security Officer Appreciation
Week is celebrated September 16-22, 2018. This is an opportunity to say thank you, and recognize security