It appears to Andy Drane that the police service faces a fundamental dilemma. On the one hand there has been a surge in demand for ‘Bobbies on the Beat’ and public reassurance. On the other, there is an equally strong desire for the police to be incredibly efficient in further areas, most notably in terms of public order, counter-terrorism and major crime investigations (which Drane was heavily involved with during his time at the Avon and Somerset Constabulary).

Of the dilemma, Drane states: “Although there are overlaps in some instances, the two demands are in direct conflict with each other. I’m afraid that is always going to be the case no matter how many bodies are employed by the police service.”

Engaging the contractors

The extended police family, then, is not about private security companies engaging in police work. Not in Drane’s eyes, anyway. He’s in tune with many contractors’ thoughts, it must be said. Security Management Today (SMT) has spoken to a plethora of security companies in the past 12 months in relation to this issue, and virtually every one has no desire to assume any kind of pseudo policing function.

What they all share is a longing to increase professionalism throughout the industry, which is exactly what Drane is advocating.

“Look at Project Griffin,” he enthuses (see ‘From Guards to Guardians’ on pages 40-42 of this month’s edition). “An initiative that’s all about the Metropolitan Police and the City of London Police working together with security companies to raise their awareness of the terrorist threat in the Capital, and how they might help in mitigating the risk. There has been fantastic engagement.

“Responsible citizens in this country trust the police and are reassured by a police presence. Thanks to initiatives like Project Griffin, that same degree of trust will eventually be invested in the private sector.”

Is crime really falling?

Most serious academic commentators and in-depth, independent studies (ie those conducted on behalf of – and released by – the Home Office) will tell you that crime is falling. Somewhat difficult to believe when you read the newspapers each morning and watch the BBC’s main evening news bulletins and nearly every other story or report concerns a robbery, rape, mugging, violent assault or major fraud.

“It’s true that peoples’ perception of crime isn’t that it’s tailing off,” insists Drane. “That is precisely why the reassurance agenda simply has to take centre stage. It’s all about members of the public feeling safer. This is both a Government objective and a social objective. A regulated private security industry will be better trusted. If the industry goes about its work in a socially responsible way then that trust will come, and its reputation can only be enhanced.”

In Drane’s opinion, the cynics are detracting from “a serious opportunity” that lies before the private security industry, irrespective of who is in power and how many policemen and women are on Westminster’s pay-roll at any given time.

“I must stress again that the extended police family is all about security companies doing what they’re already good at, and doing it better. Doing what their contract purchaser has paid them to do, and in such a way that they contribute to the overall goal of heightened public safety and security. That’s the way ahead.” n

Source

SMT