NCJ Number
185308
Journal
Security Journal Volume: 10 Issue: 2 Dated: March 1998 Pages: 122-129
Editor(s)
Robert D. McCrie
Date Published
March 1998
Length
9 pages
Annotation
This article reports on a joint research project between the South Australian Police and the security sector aimed at finding ways of improving cooperation between the two groups.
Abstract
Police, private security, and non-police government agencies were surveyed using a questionnaire that sought information according to six categories--personal experience, cooperation, responsibilities, personal attitudes, resources, and demographics. Questionnaires were distributed to 100 police officers, 100 personnel involved in the private security industry, and 40 personnel in non-police government agencies. It was found that there was already a great deal of informal cooperation at the operational end of the organizations and a general interest in expanding cooperation. Obstacles to cooperation included different levels of training and types of equipment. It was suggested a high-level liaison committee be formed to facilitate increased cooperation and to clarify the grounds on which appropriate cooperation could occur. For example, cooperation could occur in the areas of training and information sharing and in the outsourcing of speed camera staffing to government security agencies. It was also noted security services would need to be more tightly regulated, with public access to a body similar to the Police Complaints Authority. 9 references and 17 tables