Law Enforcement Operations (Essay Sample)

Law Enforcement Operations
Student’s Name
Institution Affiliation
Law Enforcement Operations
Question One
Private security forms a critical element of US safety and security. Today private security is responsible for protecting critical infrastructures, national institutions, intellectual property, and other sensitive corporate assets. The history of modern private security in the US can be traced back to 1842, with the formation of the Pinkerton National Detective Agency by Allan Pinkerton (Button, 2020). The industry has witnessed a steady rise from the age of Pinkerton to now a multibillion industry in the US. The growth of private security has been influenced by the Second World War (WWII), technology, and the security landscape changes.
WWII called for the mobilization of soldiers and guards, with all countries involved limiting opportunities to be infiltrated. These led to the formation of various securities components that have been developed in the profession today, such as general property guard, private investigator, and private human guard. Private security became critical in securing resources for the US during WWII (Button, 2020). Over the last two decades, significant changes in society have fueled more revolution in private security. Technology transformation has brought changes in the ways people work, interact and commit crimes. Cyberspace and technology-related crimes have led to a new policing structure using private security to protect corporate assets (Button, 2020). The emergency of terrorism has also seen governments and private institutions invest more in private security.
Question Two
Private and public policy are the two main types of security concerned about individual and community safety. The public and private elements are the primary distinctions between the two types of policing. Public policy is a government-sponsored service provided by the local, state, or federal government. Public law enforcement officers follow strict requirements, training, and certification. In general, public police officers work for agencies tasked with looking out for public interest, safety, and welfare. Public police operate within a specific jurisdiction, ranging from county, city, state, to an entire nation.
On the other hand, private security is offered by private entities, and its concern is limited to client interests. Private security only provides its services to clients who have sought their services instead of the general public in the case of public police. Although some private security also undergoes rigorous training and certification, they face little scrutiny from the government and the public. Private security only protects the property belonging to the person or entity that hired them. Individuals and entities use private security as an additional measure to provide an increased level of protection than that afforded by the public police.
Question Three
Public law enforcement officers are always under immense pressure to keep crime rates at the lowest levels despite stretched workforce and limited budgets. Given the limitations of public policy and increased security challenges in the 21st century, the issue of public policy and private security partnership has never become more critical (Hickey, Mongrain, Roberts & Van Ypersele, 2021). The partnership will enhance public safety and the protection of pr