|
The face of policing in the 21st
century
By Harold L. Hurtt
CHIEF OF POLICE � HOUSTON,
TEXAS
Police agencies are constantly struggling with budget constraints and trying to find ways to increase the resources they do have, along with looking for innovative ways to be more efficient with their existing resources. The partnership between the public and special interest groups such as religious organizations, business leaders, and civic groups are already widely used by police agencies to solve problems, engage the community and prevent crime. The one resource that many police agencies have failed to cultivate is private security.
Police agencies and private security often ignore the obvious overlap in function and shared goals.
Private security providers and law enforcement face many of the same challenges and provide a very similar service. While police agencies have been very good about utilizing other segments of the community, we have been slow to realize the potential of working more closely with private security professionals. Both groups are responsible for protecting the lives and property of those who have entrusted them with this duty. The major underlying difference that must not be forgotten, however, is that law enforcement agencies as a public organization, must serve all the people in their jurisdiction - private security are primarily responsible to those who have contracted for their service. This is not an insurmountable hurdle, only a fact that must be kept in mind when conflicting priorities arise.
One of the simplest means to begin a mutually beneficial relationship is the sharing of
information, such as wanted persons bulletins or threats to a particular industry or industrial complex, to name a few of the most obvious examples. The sharing of crime data showing crime trends would also be beneficial in that private security providers and law enforcement may be better able to position their resources when and where crime is occurring most frequently. Data shared by private security to law enforcement may provide valuable information regarding particular crime problems and issues that law enforcement may be overlooking or missing and help solve some of the most serious crimes.
There are many obstacles, such as state laws, that prevent some information from being disseminated, as well as, competing interests for police resources, that prevent problems from being addressed. However, law enforcement and private security must find a way to work through these issues and use each other�s resources as force multipliers.
The approximately 120,000 security officers in Texas are an incredible resource that may be available to assist in addressing criminal activity.
There are police agencies in this state that have seen the potential and are working with private security in their area. The potential is there for the rest of us.
We must begin with an open line of communication and a willingness to work to solve the problems that affect our respective constituents. By doing this, we help one another, but more importantly, we are in a better position to help those we serve.
|
