In recent years, the landscape of law enforcement in the United States has undergone significant changes. Many parts of the country have witnessed a decline in police staffing and recruitment, causing concerns about public safety. According to FBI data, the number of sworn police officers nationwide dropped by 7% between 2019 and 2021.
This decline in police personnel has raised questions about how to effectively combat rising crime rates, including increases in murders, assaults, and car thefts, as the Brennan Center for Justice reported in 2020. Simultaneously, the nation’s growing homelessness crisis has further exacerbated public safety anxieties.
As a result, the private security industry has experienced a boom since 2020. The United States now employs approximately twice as many security guards as it did two decades ago, despite the national population having grown by only 16% over the same period. As of 2021, the ratio stood at about two police officers to every 3.1 security guards per 1000 civilians.
Private security companies excel in providing personalized attention and swift response times—qualities often lacking in understaffed and overburdened police departments. Here are some reasons why more individuals opt for private security companies over-relying on the police for their safety.
What Makes Private Security the Better Choice?
- Faster Response Times: Private security companies are known for their rapid response to emergencies, often arriving at the scene faster than the police due to their smaller service areas.
- Tailored Services: Private security firms can customize their services to meet specific needs, providing a more personalized approach to security and crime prevention for homes and businesses.
- Enhanced Availability: Private security personnel can be stationed on-site 24/7, providing a constant and visible presence that deters potential criminals.
- Specialized Training: Security guards receive specialized training in crime prevention, threat assessment, and conflict resolution, making them well-equipped to handle a wide range of security situations.
- Proactive Crime Prevention: Private security companies often focus on proactive measures, such as security assessments and surveillance, to prevent crimes before they occur.
- Direct Communication: Private security personnel maintain direct and efficient communication with clients, ensuring rapid response and a sense of security.
- Close Community Ties: Security guards often develop close relationships with their communities, fostering trust and a heightened sense of safety among residents and business owners.
- Flexibility: Private security companies can quickly adapt to changing security needs and adjust their strategies to address emerging threats or concerns.
- Specialized Expertise: Private security companies can provide specialized security solutions for industries like retail, healthcare, and hospitality, tailoring their services to specific security challenges.
- Non-Lethal Approaches: Security guards are often trained in non-lethal methods of handling confrontations, emphasizing conflict resolution over the use of force.
- Enhanced Surveillance: Private security firms employ advanced technology, including surveillance cameras and access control systems, to monitor and secure properties effectively.
- Faster Emergency Coordination: In case of emergencies, private security companies can quickly coordinate with local law enforcement to ensure a swift and efficient response.
- Reduced Strain on Public Resources: By outsourcing security services, private companies can help alleviate the strain on public law enforcement resources, allowing police to focus on more serious crimes.
- Peace of Mind: The visible presence of private security officers and their proactive measures contribute to a heightened sense of safety and peace of mind for individuals and businesses alike.
At GoJoe Patrol, we specialize in providing tailored and personalized security solutions. Our patrol officers are not only swift but also highly experienced, rigorously vetted, and extensively trained to ensure your safety. With our dedicated team available, you can rest assured that concerns about petty theft or crimes are alleviated, allowing you to prioritize spending quality time with your family or focusing on your work without unnecessary worries.
If you are ready to talk about security solutions, contact us today or visit our website at gojoepatrol.com for more information.
