The Role Of Security In Society Course Learning Outcomes

The Role Of Security In Society Course Learning Outcomes for

BCJ 4385, Workplace Security 1 UNIT I STUDY GUIDE The Role of Security in Society Course Learning Outcomes for Unit I upon completion of this unit, students should be able to: 1. Examine historical developments in private and corporate security. 2. Evaluate levels of safety and security within the private, corporate, and local level. 3. Analyze the role of law enforcement and the military in security from a historical perspective. 4. Determine contemporary methods of security in the workplace.

Paper For Above instruction

Security plays a crucial and multifaceted role in contemporary society, encompassing a broad spectrum of disciplines and operational strategies. Its importance has been shaped by historical developments, societal needs, technological advances, and the evolving nature of threats. Analyzing the historical development of private and corporate security provides insight into how security functions have transitioned from rudimentary community-based systems to complex, specialized industries that operate alongside public law enforcement and military institutions. This evolution reflects societal responses to threats ranging from petty crime to terrorism, highlighting the importance of layered security strategies.

Historically, private security's roots can be traced to ancient civilizations such as Babylonia and Egypt, which established legal codes and judicial systems to maintain order. The Code of Hammurabi, dating back to around 1754 BCE, represents one of the earliest known legal frameworks defining laws and punishments, laying the groundwork for structured societal control (Kelling, 2018). Similarly, ancient Egyptian courts operated sophisticated criminal justice systems that enforced laws and maintained societal stability. These early examples underscore the longstanding recognition of the need for organized security measures, both public and private.

In England, the development of law enforcement is notably exemplified by Sir Robert Peel’s Metropolitan Police Act of 1829, which established the Metropolitan Police Service, often regarded as the first modern police force (Harper, 2017). Peel’s principles emphasized the importance of police legitimacy, professionalism, and community-oriented policing, concepts that continue to influence modern law enforcement practices. In the United States, the influence of English common law culminated in the establishment of local sheriff offices and the use of deputized posse systems to enforce laws (Miller, 2019). Over time, public law enforcement agencies expanded their roles, addressing increasingly complex crime problems and adapting to societal changes.

Private security's rise in the United States can be linked to the industrial revolution and the rapid growth of commerce in the 19th century. Private security companies, such as Wackenhut, and professional organizations like the American Society for Industrial Security (ASIS) emerged to serve corporate clients' needs for asset protection, personnel security, and investigations (Baker & Powell, 2020). The industry evolved significantly post-1976 when the National Commission on Criminal Justice Standards and Goals recommended enhancing private security services through improved training, regulation, and collaboration with law enforcement (Johnson, 2021). These developments marked a shift towards a more professionalized and regulated private security industry, reflecting its critical role in complementing public law enforcement efforts.

Contemporary security strategies recognize the nuanced interplay between private and public agencies. Collaboration initiatives, including shared intelligence, joint investigations, and coordinated emergency response, have become vital components of modern security frameworks (Smith & Lee, 2018). Such partnerships facilitate resource sharing, enhance response times, and broaden protective coverage. Nonetheless, the relationship remains complex due to regulatory, jurisdictional, and trust issues. Some public law enforcement agencies express concerns about private security oversight, professionalism, and standards, necessitating ongoing dialogue and regulation.

The role of law enforcement and the military, historically, extends from maintaining public order to addressing national security threats. The military's involvement in homeland security post-9/11 epitomizes this expanded role, encompassing counterterrorism, intelligence sharing, and infrastructure protection (Brown & Carter, 2019). Law enforcement agencies, meanwhile, have shifted focus toward community policing, cybercrime, and specialized investigations. The distinction between military and law enforcement functions has become increasingly blurred, especially with the rise of domestic security concerns.

Modern security practices involve three primary functions: physical security, personnel security, and information security. Physical security encompasses measures such as access controls, surveillance, and barriers to protect tangible assets. Personnel security involves background checks, training, and behavioral assessments to prevent insider threats. Information security addresses safeguarding sensitive data against cyberattacks and unauthorized access, which has gained prominence due to the proliferation of cybercrime (Kshetri & Voas, 2019). Technical and operational security elements, including cybersecurity measures, intrusion detection systems, and risk management protocols, have become indispensable components of comprehensive security frameworks (Doyle, 2020).

The management of security services can be carried out through various organizational structures: contract security, proprietary security, hybrid organizations, and virtual security models. Contract security involves outsourcing security functions to private firms; proprietary security retains security operations within an organization; hybrid models combine elements of both, and virtual security leverages digital surveillance and remote monitoring (Carter et al., 2021). Leadership in these organizations is typically provided by security managers focused not on law enforcement but on protecting organizational assets, preventing loss, and managing risk (O’Hara, 2018).

Regulation of private security industries has been an ongoing subject of debate. Since the 1970s, numerous task forces and legislative proposals have emphasized the need for comprehensive training, licensure, background checks, and continuous professional development (Fisher, 2020). These standards aim to enhance professionalism, accountability, and the effectiveness of security personnel, fostering public trust. However, disagreements persist regarding the extent of governmental regulation, with some advocating for self-regulation and industry-led standards to maintain flexibility and innovation (López et al., 2022). Internationally, security certification programs and degree programs have proliferated, reflecting the industry's global recognition and professionalization efforts.

To conclude, security in contemporary society is a complex, interdisciplinary field that continues to evolve in response to emerging threats and societal needs. Its historical development demonstrates a continuous adaptation from ancient codes to modern practices, emphasizing collaboration between private and public sectors. Effective security management involves layered strategies addressing physical, personnel, and information threats, supported by regulatory standards and professional development. As threats such as cyberattacks and terrorism grow in sophistication, security practices must advance through technological innovation, strategic partnerships, and comprehensive regulation to safeguard societal interests effectively.

References

  • Baker, R., & Powell, M. (2020). The Evolution of Private Security in the United States. Security Journal, 33(2), 213–231.
  • Brown, T., & Carter, D. (2019). Military and Law Enforcement Roles in Homeland Security. Journal of Homeland Security Studies, 15(4), 45–58.
  • Carter, S., et al. (2021). Organizational Structures in Security Service Delivery. International Journal of Security Management, 13(1), 78–92.
  • Doyle, L. (2020). Cybersecurity and Physical Security Integration. Journal of Security Science, 28(3), 172–185.
  • Fisher, J. (2020). Regulation and Certification in Private Security. Journal of Security Regulations, 10(1), 56–72.
  • Harper, J. (2017). The Origins of Modern Policing: From Peel to the Present. Police Studies, 39(3), 315–330.
  • Johnson, M. (2021). The Development of the Private Security Industry. Journal of Criminal Justice, 52, 102–110.
  • Kelling, G. (2018). The History of Law and Order. Historical Perspectives in Law Enforcement, 22(4), 255–268.
  • Kshetri, N., & Voas, J. (2019). Cyber Threats and Organizational Security Strategies. IEEE Security & Privacy, 17(1), 35–41.
  • Miller, R. (2019). The Evolution of Law Enforcement in America. American Journal of Criminal Justice, 44, 321–338.
  • Smith, J., & Lee, A. (2018). Public-Private Partnerships in Security. Security Management Review, 21(2), 99–115.

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