NCJ Number
130188
Journal
Law Enforcement Quarterly Dated: (May-June-July 1991) Pages: 21-22
Date Published
1991
Length
2 pages
Annotation
Private security officers now outnumber sworn law enforcement officers in California by more than three to one and can be important sources of information to the police.
Abstract
Almost 10 percent of the 183,000 security guards registered with the State were registered to carry an exposed firearm while on duty and in uniform; another 100,000 or more guards who are not required to register work as in-house company security officers. All contract guards and guards carrying weapons must register with the State. One issue relating to private guards' relationships with the police and the public is the recognition of security industry uniforms, badges, and other forms of identification. Badges are a matter of particular sensitivity, because the law prohibits private investigators and members of their firms from using badges and permits private patrol agents to wear badges only while on duty and in uniform. These officers must also wear a patch on each arm that reads "private security." Former police officers may need to meet additional requirements beyond their police training to become private security guards. Photographs