Research and analysis of malpractice in the field of private security
Creators: name: Lavigne, Mathieu Joseph Jacques
Publisher: name: Université d'Ottawa / University of Ottawa
Year: 2008
Subjects: subject: Sociology, Criminology and Penology.

description: The growth of private (and other non-state) forms of policing signals as important a transformation in policing as that which occurred with the emergence of state constabularies in the nineteenth century (Bayley and Shearing 1996; Shearing and Stenning, 1987). The number of private security officers operating in Canada has long surpassed their public counterparts and their everyday presence can be readily seen. Research in this field, insufficient in its quantity, has illustrated that the role of policing is no longer exclusive to government agents---the once clear dichotomy that was is now blurred. The field of private security has received considerable attention on behalf of academics in recent decades, and the vast bulk of it has in fact been rather negative. Critics have argued that commercial security lacks effective regulation, has limited public accountability and demonstrates poor standards of recruitment and training (Johnston, 1999; Johnston, 1992; Jones &amp; Newburn, 1998; Loader, 1999). The research presented herein attempts to examine the potential consequences of such conditions. The exploratory research presented herein has for intent to bring to light, describe and document the extent of malpractice as a reality of private security work. Operating under the hypothesis that malpractice in the field of private security is common and accepted behaviour within the lower, non-managerial ranks of the industry, 47 individuals employed as security officers in Ottawa were surveyed via a self-administered questionnaire to assess their rate of participation in acts otherwise thought of as malpractice and to assess whether or not they did so knowingly and willingly. Findings appeared to confirm the previously hypothesized statement. On multiple items respondents confirmed as constituting malpractice, only a small number of participants reported never to have taken part in their commission. On average, more than 60% of respondents admitted to having committed some form of malpractice. In conjunction with a high number of officers who are fully aware of the wrongful nature of their actions, it becomes disconcerting to realize that malpractice appears to occur often and with the full awareness of the perpetrators. Security providers and policy makers nationwide should heed the warning signs and implement solutions that, only through considerable additional research, may work to instill a more secure sense of security. The veracity of the phenomenon stood out in the sampled population as a potentially harmful consequent of academically criticized working conditions. Though the exploratory nature of the research presented herein does not necessarily provide the tools required to draw meaningful inferences with regards to causes and effects, the results have nonetheless opened themselves to various conclusions and recommendations. First and foremost, malpractice, as defined in this research, exists in the field of private security. Officers employed by security firms tend to engage in such activity on a consistent, if not regular basis. The severity of the offence may vary greatly and is understandably finely tuned to its rate of occurrence; however, the smallest symptoms retain its importance when considering the broader unaddressed regulatory issues. In light of this analysis, it becomes apparent that actions should be taken by managerial ranks to more accurately identify and deal with such behaviour; if not to correct it, at the least it may deter and decrease its existence. Additionally, it was made evident in this research that rates of participation in acts of malpractice were not necessarily contingent upon any misconceptions or confused attitudes toward the types of behaviours that would generally be classified under its heading. Officers reported engaging in such behaviours with full knowledge and a firm belief that their actions were wrongful. It thus seems that employee comportment rules and regulations are successfully disseminated to the lower ranks of security officers. In light of this, efforts should perhaps be aimed more toward an enforcement and identification aspect rather than toward an improved communicative approach. Further empirical research is a must if we are to truly understand the different manifestations of malpractice within the private police and the risks they may pose for the industry and the public they are often tasked to protect. In particular, we must better acquaint ourselves with the motives and the driving forces that would prompt an initial act and any action, or lack thereof, that would encourage subsequent ones. The exploratory goals of this research have but reaffirmed a dire need for additional descriptive analysis of this field of study.