NCJ Number
147384
Date Published
1977
Length
55 pages
Annotation
This booklet identifies sources and areas of conflict between public police and private police and presents strategies for the resolution of this conflict.
Abstract
The limited availability of survey data for contractual private security and law enforcement limited this analysis, but staff field research and the experience of the committee membership. The study concluded that the major barrier to improved law enforcement-private security relationships is a role conflict that shows itself in the lack of clear role definitions, perceptual distortions, and mutual negative stereotyping. The areas of conflict identified in a ranked order of pervasiveness and intensity are lack of mutual respect, communication, and standards; perceived competition and corruption; and public police's lack of knowledge of private security. This report lays the foundation for the design and implementation of programs for the most effective use of public and private sector resources in the Nation's efforts to control crime and provide a safe environment for its citizens. The strategies outlined are grouped into the following major categories based on the similarity of the techniques and mechanisms involved or the desired outcome: increased interaction, legal considerations, institutional support, policies and procedures, personnel improvement programs, training programs, and research and development efforts. To graphically display the relevance of the proposed resolution strategies, an appended matrix integrates and cross-references the recommended strategies.