Dear Editor,
Today’s society demands that the epidemic of crime be stemmed and the basic security needs of the communities be met. Law enforcement budgets are already feeling the pressure of the economic downturn. More and more traditional law enforcement activities are being absorbed by private security. Their functions are to provide the security, safety and services that law enforcement agencies are unable to extend.
With this expanded role for security comes the need for increased professional training, expertise and ability. No longer can the ‘watchman’ or ‘rent-a-cop’ perform the duties that a professional security officer is expected to carry out. The roles of security officer and police officer have never before been so similar. The lines of distinction are drawn more as an exception than the rule.
He or she must be a professional whose training, education and skill level are consistent with the complex functions and duties required.
Today he or she is likely to be working with sophisticated electronic detection equipment, computers and communications.
The officer’s actions or inaction can dramatically affect the disposition of an incident. If the officer’s first response destroys evidence, impedes the investigation or otherwise interferes in the successful apprehension and prosecution of the perpetrator, everyone loses – the community, the employer, the profession and ultimately society.
Yours faithfully,
Mark Lewis