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So
what exactly is a Private Security Contractor/Officer?
The State of
Illinois Definition (225 ILCS 447/5-10)
"Private security
contractor" means a person who engages in the business of providing a private
security officer, watchman, patrol, guard dog, canine odor detection, or a similar service by any other title or name on a
contractual basis for another person, firm, corporation, or other entity for a fee or
other consideration and performing one or more of the following functions:
(1)
The prevention or detection of intrusion, entry, |
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theft, vandalism, abuse, fire,
or trespass on private or governmental
property. |
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(2) The prevention, observation, or detection of any |
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unauthorized activity on
private or governmental property. |
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(3) The protection of persons authorized to be on |
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the premises of the person,
firm, or other entity for which the security
contractor contractually provides security
services. |
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(4) The prevention of the misappropriation or |
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concealment of goods, money,
bonds, stocks, notes, documents, or papers. |
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(5) The control, regulation, or direction of the |
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movement of the public for the
time specifically required for the
protection of property owned or controlled by the
client. |
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(6) The protection of individuals from bodily harm |
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or death (bodyguard
functions). |
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The Textbook
Definition
(Source : Introduction To Security - Seventh Edition; By Robert J. Fisher & Gion Green; pg38)
Private security includes those self-employed individuals and privately
funded
business entities and organizations providing security-related services to specific
clientele for a fee, for the individual or entity that retains or employs them, or
for
themselves, in order to protect their persons, private property, or interests
from varied
hazards.
What can a Private
Security Contractor/Officer actually do?
Some common security
functions include the following:
(1) Building & perimeter protection - with barriers, fences, walls, gates,
lighting, surveillance, etc.
(2) Alarm & fire system monitoring.
(3) Access control - with doors, windows, locks, keys, security containers,
vaults, safes, files, id programs,
inspections, package control, parking control, traffic
flow control, guarding, & regular patrol.
(4) Disaster & emergency response systems and plan development.
(5) Accident prevention and safety implementation.
(6) Protection of software data or other intellectual property.
(7) Perform security surveys, loss prevention studies, calculate
a criticality/vulnerability matrix,
security audits, cost benefit studies, and risk
management strategies.
(8) Prevent theft and pilferage through employee screening, background checks, and
undercover surveillance.
(9) Protects individuals and property against harm.
(10) Provide consulting for businesses and individuals to address their
particular security/safety concerns.
Although the above list is not all inclusive, it should give you some idea of what a
Private Security
Contractor/Officer can do. I find it easiest to break down the above
components into two basic categories for service.
(1) Consulting Services
(2) Physical Services
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