Private Security and Crime Prevention: A Factor Analytic Approach

• NCJ Number: 219070
• Journal: Acta Criminologica Volume: 17 Issue: 2 Dated: 2004 Pages: 71-82
• Author(s): D. G. Steenkamp; P. J. Potgieter
• Date Published: 2004
• Length: 12 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Survey
• Language: English
• Country: South Africa
• Note: Downloaded July 3, 2007. To access the full text PDF: 1) select the provided PDF link; 2) from the Acta Criminologica Web site, select "Table of Contents"; 3) select the corresponding Volume and Issue (see the NCJRS abstract record for the exact Volume and Issue); 4) scroll the Table of Contents to the exact article; and 5) click on the "full text" icon.

Annotation

This article reports on the findings of a survey of members of the public and private security officers in South Africa regarding their views of the importance of private-security functions.

Abstract

The survey findings show that both the general public and security officers recognize the important roles that security officers play in preventing crime at various sites and under certain conditions. Survey responses by members of the South African public show that they are aware of and value the work of private security officers as they observe their activities in the course of visiting public areas where private security officers do their work as parking lot guards, armored car drivers/guards, security for retail establishments, and the patrolling of assigned areas. The security officers evaluated selected crime prevention measures usually associated with the work of private security officers. Private security officers strongly believed that the dissemination of information about crime to members of the public through monthly flyers or quarterly newsletters sent to customers would foster a culture of crime awareness. Other crime prevention activities rated highly by private security officers were guarding parking lots and the provision of signs with crime prevention messages appropriate for public activities at each sign location. The visible presence of security guards at ATM's in shopping malls and other strategic places was also highly rated by the security officers. A total of 381 useable questionnaires were collected from members of the public, and 374 questionnaires were collected from private security officers. Pretrained fieldworkers distributed questionnaires to members of the public at four prominent areas in the Province of KwaZulu-Natal. Completed questionnaires in sealed envelopes were collected at predetermined collection points. Questionnaires for private security officers were distributed by various private security companies in KwaZulu-Natal. 5 tables and a 26-item bibliography