Towards Professionalisation of Physical Security

: Perspectives from Practitioners

Abstract

This study explored the knowledge, skills, and competencies required for physical security professionalism. Drawing on an ethnographic approach, this study explored practitioners' perspectives on the environment, their practice, and their occupation, based on the assumption that physical security lacks a professional code of conduct and regulatory standards for its responsibilities. Furthermore, this study examined the challenges practitioners face in a constantly evolving threat environment and how these challenges impact their work practices. Using an interpretive paradigm, this qualitative study involved 38 practitioners worldwide through semi-structured interviews. The interviews were complemented by participant observation within the practitioner community. Reflexive thematic analysis was used to identify practitioners’ views and experiences, which were further organised into themes. The themes were further developed as suggestions for the Physical Security Professional Framework (PSPF).
These findings align with previous research, which confirmed that physical security lacks a well-established body of knowledge, code of conduct, or governing regulations. These findings suggest that professionalism relies on tacit knowledge and practice acquired through experience. Furthermore, the findings reveal practitioners’ concerns regarding the development of threats by emerging technologies and the lack of competencies and skills to respond to these threats. Hence, this study suggests a skills-based approach to enhance physical security professionalism, grounded in a holistic approach to physical security. To advance holistic practice, this study proposes a new definition of physical security that incorporates a risk-based approach and comprehensive management of physical security across all responsibilities. Finally, this thesis offers a new perspective on the broader discourse on security professionalism by examining professionalism through organisational professionalism theories.

Date of Award	2 Mar 2026
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	University of Portsmouth
Supervisor	Moufida Sadok (Supervisor), Aram Ghaemmaghami (Supervisor) & Richard Kapend (Supervisor)