Raising the Bar: Can Private Security Increase Professionalism by Following Law Enforcement's Example?
Date of Award
5-26-2009
Document Type
Undergraduate Capstone Project
Degree Name
Master of Applied Science
Organizational Unit
University College, Security Management
Disciplines
Security Management
First Advisor
James Henderson
Keywords
Accreditation, CALEA, Ethics, Law enforcement, Minimum training standards, POST standards, Professionalism, Security guard, Training standards
Abstract
For decades, the private security industry has been plagued by problems stemming from inconsistent hiring standards, a lack of training standards, and low wages all of which have culminated in an industry displaying little in the way of professionalism. Approximately 40 years ago American law enforcement found itself in a similar position and became the subject of a presidential commission, which recommended fundamental changes in law enforcement education standards, hiring standards, training standards, and ethical conduct. Additionally, many law enforcement agencies have pursued state and or national accreditation to further raise their levels or performance and professionalism. This project found the law enforcement experience applicable to the private security industry and an effective means to increasing the level of professionalism.
Publication Statement
Copyright is held by the author. Permanently suppressed.
Recommended Citation
Shucard, Hal, "Raising the Bar: Can Private Security Increase Professionalism by Following Law Enforcement's Example?" (2009). University College: Security Management Capstones. 5.
https://digitalcommons.du.edu/ucol_smgt/5