Optimising security through effective regulation: lessons from around the globe

Most countries have recognized that to optimize security, a major provider of it, the private security industry, needs to be subject to additional and specialist regulation to maximize its performance (Button, 2007a; CoESS/ UNI Europa, 2004; Hemmens, Maahs, Scarborough, & Collins, 2001; International Alert, 2005; Prenzler, Baxter, & Draper, 1998; Prenzler & Sarre, 2008; Sarre & Prenzler, 2005; Yoshida, 1999). There are only a few countries which do not have such regulation, but the regulatory systems which exist vary significantly on a variety of criteria (Button & George, 2006; George & Button, 1997; Prenzler & Sarre, 1999). However, even with some of the most basic regulatory systems, like the United Kingdom's, there has been evidence of improvement for both licence holders and purchasers of security (Security Industry Authority [SIA], 2010a, 2010b; White, 2010; White & Smith, 2010). This chapter will seek to review the experience of regulation from around the globe and identify best practice. Before we embark upon this, however, this chapter will begin by examining what optimum security is, before moving on to consider some of the factors which contribute to that. It will then explore briefly why regulation is required before examining the challenges of identifying best practice. The chapter will end with a consideration of proposals in England to reform regulation and the significance of these for the rest of the globe.