Discuss the contributions of private security to the criminal justice system, why it has continued to grow in popularity, and some of its limitations.

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Private policing supplements local police forces by serving as a private security industry. Some federal services have been privatized to cut expenses. People employed in private policing outnumber public police by almost three to one. Private policing is so popular largely due to three reasons: there is a preference for nongovernmental provision of important services, the growth of mass private property, and a belief that government police are not capable of providing the level of service and presence the public desires. Private policing largely focuses on security of private property and answers directly to their clients who hire them. In some cases, private police have latitude in being exempt from the Fourth Amendment, the Miranda rule, and the exclusionary rule. However, in most instances, they have no more authority than the typical private citizen. A private security guard, for example, would not be able to make an arrest.