Can private security help solve the police staffing crisis?

Key takeways

• Police staffing shortages are pushing cities to rely on private security: As law enforcement agencies struggle with recruitment and retention, communities are increasingly turning to private security firms to handle nonemergency calls and deterrence.
• Why law enforcement needs formal agreements with private security firms: Without clear protocols and legal frameworks, informal cooperation can create confusion, liability issues and public trust concerns in joint policing efforts.
• Inconsistent training for private security creates risks for public safety: Many security officers receive minimal instruction compared to sworn police, raising concerns about preparedness, use of force and response quality.
• Private security is adopting tech that many police departments can’t afford: From AI-driven surveillance to predictive analytics, private firms are outpacing public agencies in tech adoption — unless partnerships enable shared access.
• Public-private policing models must address safety equity concerns: If partnerships aren’t carefully structured, enhanced protection may only be available in wealthier areas, leaving underserved communities more vulnerable.

This article is based on research conducted as a part of the CA POST Command College. It is a futures study of a particular emerging issue of relevance to law enforcement. Its purpose is not to predict the future; rather, to project a variety of possible scenarios useful for planning and action in anticipation of the emerging landscape facing policing organizations.

The article was created using the futures forecasting process of Command College and its outcomes. Managing the future means influencing it — creating, constraining and adapting to emerging trends and events in a way that optimizes the opportunities and minimizes the threats of relevance to the profession.

By Lieutenant Eric J. Altorfer

Law enforcement stands at a breaking point. With staffing shortages, public trust in flux, budget constraints and continuing crime, the traditional model of policing is no longer sustainable. According to the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), nearly 78% of U.S. law enforcement agencies report difficulty recruiting officers, and more than half are operating below budgeted staffing levels. [1] As a result, communities are increasingly turning to private security companies to fill gaps once covered by police, reshaping the landscape of public safety.

Instead of resisting this shift, law enforcement agencies and private security companies must explore how to work together to create a stronger, more effective model. A high-ranking member of the San Francisco Police Department command staff reinforced this perspective, saying, “Private security is already playing a crucial role in public safety by filling in where our department lacks resources. The challenge now is formalizing that relationship in a way that maintains accountability and effectiveness.” [2]

Similarly, Steve Jones, CEO of Allied Universal, one of the world’s largest security providers, has emphasized the need for collaboration, noting, “One of the most basic human needs is to feel safe. Working in the private security industry, you help people, businesses and communities meet that need every single day.” [3]

The future of policing isn’t about choosing one over the other; it’s about forging a partnership that ensures safety, accountability and trust. The question isn’t if we should adapt but how.

How did we get here?

Law enforcement has always been the backbone of public safety, but today agencies are struggling to keep up. Officers are leaving the profession at record rates, disillusioned by long hours, intense scrutiny and dwindling support. A 2023 survey by the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF) found that police departments saw a 47% increase in resignations and a 19% increase in retirements from 2021 to 2023. [4] Recruiting new talent has become harder, as younger generations seek careers with better pay, less risk and more work-life balance. [1]

As departments shrink, their ability to respond proactively to crime diminishes. For example, in San Francisco, the police department faces a shortage of 500 officers, leading to longer response times and forcing the department to prioritize which incidents to address. This staffing crisis has corresponded with a 19% year-over-year increase in burglaries and a 77% year-to-date rise in gun violence victims in the city’s infamous Tenderloin district. [5]

Enter private security companies. As law enforcement struggles to maintain staffing levels, businesses, residential communities and even municipalities have increasingly turned to private security companies to fill the gap.

Private security is not a new concept; it predates modern policing. In the mid-19th century, the Pinkerton National Detective Agency and Wells Fargo’s security division played key roles in protecting businesses, banks and stagecoaches from criminal threats. Long before municipal police departments were formalized, private security firms often provided protection and investigative services across the U.S. The need for private security grew alongside industrialization and westward expansion, as businesses sought additional safeguards against theft and violence. Notably, Pinkerton agents are credited with foiling an assassination plot against President-elect Abraham Lincoln in 1861 while he traveled to his inauguration. [6,7]

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But how widespread is this shift today? Businesses, residential neighborhoods and even public entities are increasingly turning to private security professionals to fill the void left by understaffed law enforcement agencies. The private security industry now employs more than 1.1 million personnel in the U.S., outnumbering sworn law enforcement officers by a ratio of nearly 3 to 1. [8] The appeal is clear: Private security offers faster response times, tailored services and a customer-focused approach that many feel traditional law enforcement no longer provides. [9]

Yet this shift brings new challenges. Unlike public law enforcement, private security operates outside the strict regulatory framework of state and federal oversight. This raises concerns about accountability, liability and fair access to services. Legal experts caution that delegating traditional police functions to private entities without clear legislative authority can lead to legal challenges and questions about the proper exercise of police powers. [10] For instance, in South Carolina, a class-action lawsuit was filed against cities that employed a private company to issue parking tickets, alleging the unlawful delegation of municipal police powers. [11] Without standardized regulations, we risk creating a fragmented system where security is determined by wealth rather than need and where the police are relegated to a shrinking set of services that could accelerate their decline.

Given a future where public and private policing work more closely, should private security operate under local law enforcement for legal and liability purposes? Who is responsible if a private security officer wrongfully detains someone or uses force? These questions remain largely unanswered, and without clear coordination we risk creating a two-tiered safety system: one where the wealthy receive premium protection while lower-income communities are left behind. These are the issues that law enforcement and policymakers must address before this trend becomes the default model of public safety.

Shortfalls of the current model

Law enforcement and private security now exist in parallel, but it is not a true partnership. Police departments remain stretched thin, handling violent crime and emergencies, while private security takes on lower-priority incidents, property protection and deterrence efforts. This divide creates gaps in public safety and, in some cases, weakens public trust in both institutions.
Why, though, with an increasing need for safety, is private security often viewed with skepticism? One major factor is the lack of consistent training standards, regulatory oversight and public accountability compared to sworn officers. Research suggests the absence of standardized state regulations for private security contributes to inconsistent service quality, which can erode public confidence in private policing efforts. [12]

One of the biggest challenges is the lack of clearly defined roles between the two sectors. Private security professionals often find themselves in situations that require police intervention, yet they may lack the full legal authority, standardized training and oversight to act appropriately. In many states, private security officers receive as little as 40 hours of training before being deployed, compared to the hundreds or even thousands of hours required for police officers. [13]

At the same time, some law enforcement leaders have expressed concerns that an overreliance on private security could diminish the role of public policing. While there is little evidence that police officers broadly fear being replaced, some law enforcement unions and advocacy groups have voiced concerns that privatization could reduce funding for public agencies, shifting resources away from sworn personnel. [14]

Technology is also shifting the balance. Many private security firms invest heavily in cutting-edge surveillance, artificial intelligence and rapid-response systems — tools that public law enforcement, burdened by bureaucracy and budgetary constraints, struggles to afford. For example, major private security firms such as Allied Universal and G4S have already deployed real-time AI-driven surveillance platforms, predictive analytics and drone security units that many municipal police departments lack the resources to implement. [15] Without formal collaboration, however, public law enforcement risks falling behind, conceding critical ground in crime prevention and response to private security companies. Simply put, the current approach of the police is reactionary, disjointed and unsustainable. Continuing down that path works against the ultimate goal of policing — to keep communities safe.

Where we need to go: A shared vision for public safety

The future of public safety lies in integration, not isolation. We must move toward a hybrid model where law enforcement agencies and private security companies collaborate in a structured and strategic way. According to the IACP, well-regulated public-private security partnerships have been successfully implemented in multiple cities, improving police efficiency and reducing response times for nonemergency incidents. [1] To make this model work, we must focus on defining roles, creating accountability frameworks and leveraging each other’s strengths to ensure a seamless public safety response.

Instead of seeing private security as competition, law enforcement should view these companies as force multipliers that can handle nonemergency responses, property protection and community engagement. This partnership would free sworn officers to focus on serious crimes and investigations. Pilot programs in cities like Chicago and Los Angeles have already demonstrated that strategic collaboration between police and private security can improve crime prevention efforts without compromising public trust. [9]

For example, the Los Angeles Police Department has reported a 28.1% decrease in homicides and over a 50% reduction in gang-related homicides since implementing comprehensive public safety strategies in 2022. These efforts include collaborations with community-based organizations and private security firms to expand safety initiatives and relieve pressure on sworn officers. [16]

Similarly, in Chicago, an increasing number of neighborhoods and businesses are hiring private security firms in response to rising crime rates. This trend has been linked to improved perceptions of safety and proactive crime prevention, complementing law enforcement efforts. [17] These examples illustrate that strategic collaboration between police and private security can enhance crime prevention efforts without compromising public trust.

Then again, equity is key to this vision. Public-private partnerships must be structured to ensure that security services are not only accessible to the wealthy but also contribute to broader safety initiatives in underserved areas. Some cities have already begun experimenting with models where business districts that employ private security also contribute to community safety programs that benefit lower-income neighborhoods. [14] If structured correctly, these partnerships can expand protection services without deepening social disparities.

How to get there: A road map for collaboration

Public-private security partnerships are already being tested in various communities, demonstrating that structured collaboration can enhance public safety.

For example, in Baltimore, a public-private initiative called “Citizens on Patrol” integrates community-driven private security efforts with law enforcement to deter crime and improve neighborhood safety. [14] Similarly, Los Angeles and San Francisco have implemented business improvement district (BID) programs that use private security to supplement police efforts, successfully reducing crime rates in commercial districts. [18]

Atlanta has taken this approach even further through “Operation Shield,” a public-private partnership that integrates over 10,000 surveillance cameras from businesses and law enforcement into a real-time crime monitoring system, significantly improving emergency response times and crime prevention efforts. [19] Additionally, the Buckhead Safety Alliance funds off-duty Atlanta police officers to patrol commercial corridors, enhancing law enforcement presence without straining public budgets. [20] These examples show a hybrid approach is not just theoretical, it is already being implemented with measurable success.

To further explore the implications of these partnerships, an expert panel convened by the author in March 2024 composed of professionals from law enforcement, data analysts, private security leaders, community stakeholders and legal experts specializing in public safety policy met to assess the future of public-private police partnerships.

The panel’s findings revealed that staffing shortages, recruitment and retention struggles, and the increasing reliance on private security are key factors shaping the future of public safety. Panelists emphasized that law enforcement agencies must strategically collaborate with private security to fill service gaps, particularly in nonemergency response and community engagement, to maintain operational efficiency and public trust. They formed five recommendations to bridge the gap and create a safer, more effective system. Here’s how we get there.

1. Define clear roles and boundaries

• Establish protocols for when and how private security should engage with law enforcement.
• Set legal and ethical standards to ensure private security operates transparently and within the law.
• California law currently requires some private security officers to obtain training under PC 832, which includes arrest and search and seizure procedures, but there is no uniform statewide requirement. Expanding PC 832 certification for private security operating in public-facing roles could improve accountability and training consistency. [13]

2. Standardize training and certification

• Require that private security officers receive de-escalation, use-of-force and crisis intervention training comparable to public law enforcement.
• Develop joint training programs where police and private security learn to work together effectively.

3. Leverage technology to bridge the gap

• Implement shared crime data and reporting systems to improve coordination between law enforcement and private security.
• There is a need to address legal concerns. While some cities, like New York and Chicago, allow private security firms limited access to crime databases, privacy laws and liability issues must be considered before expanding such programs nationwide.
• Invest in AI-driven analytics, real-time surveillance and predictive policing tools to improve efficiency. Private security firms are already deploying AI-assisted monitoring systems that some police departments lack the budget to implement. [15] Atlanta’s Operation Shield is an example of how police and private security can successfully integrate technology to enhance crime-prevention efforts. [19]

4. Develop public-private partnerships

• Incentivize businesses that invest in private security to also contribute to community safety initiatives, ensuring lower-income areas also benefit.
• Establish citywide security stakeholder groups where police, private security and community leaders collaborate on crime-prevention strategies, as successfully implemented in Dallas’ Expanded Neighborhood Patrol program and Atlanta’s Security Council, which brings together public and private security directors to share resources and best practices. [9, 19]

5. Enhance public trust and accountability

• Require private security companies to adhere to strict reporting standards and oversight mechanisms, as many states lack uniform requirements for reporting use-of-force incidents or citizen complaints against private security officers.
• Educate the public on the role of private security and how it complements, rather than replaces, traditional policing.
• By integrating these steps, we can move toward a system where law enforcement and private security don’t just coexist, they work in concert to create safer, more resilient communities. With proper oversight, training and legal structures, this partnership has the potential to enhance public safety without eroding trust or accountability.

By integrating these steps, we can move toward a system where law enforcement and private security don’t just coexist, they work in concert to create safer, more resilient communities. With proper oversight, training and legal structures, this partnership has the potential to enhance public safety without eroding trust or accountability.

References

1. Ohlhausen Research. National policy summit: Building private security/public policing partnerships to prevent and respond to terrorism and public disorder. Office of Community Oriented Policing Services. August 2004.
2. San Francisco Police Department command staff member. Personal communication. August 9, 2024.
3. Allied Universal. Allied Universal CEO Steve Jones provides midyear update on state of labor market in the private security industry. PR Newswire. July 2023.
4. Police Executive Research Forum. New PERF survey shows police agencies are losing officers faster than they can hire new ones. April 2023.
5. Mahmood B. Understaffed police are rationing public safety in San Francisco. Here’s how to fix it. San Francisco Standard. October 2024.
6. Pinkerton National Detective Agency. Brittanica.com.
7. Babal M. Outwitting outlaws. Wells Fargo.
8. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Security guards and gambling surveillance officers. 2024.
9. Dobberstein J. As police forces struggle, can private security industry seize the moment? Security Info Watch. December 2023.
10. Elkins FC. Police and private security partnerships: Collaborating to meet growing challenges. Office of Community Oriented Policing Services. February 2022.
11. Qureshi A. City is caught ‘illegally’ handing out parking tickets in bizarre crackdown – thousands should ‘get their money back’. U.S. Sun. February 2025.
12. Sparrow MK. Managing the boundary between public and private policing. Harvard Kennedy School, National Institute of Justice. 2014.
13. Bureau of Security and Investigative Services. Security guard training regulation.
14. Finn B. Perspective: Blending public and private law enforcement. FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin. August 2021.
15. The Changing Face of Security Officers: How Technology is Revolutionizing the Field of Security Service. SecurityRI. March 2023.
16. Los Angeles Mayor’s Office. Delivering results in 2024: Mayor Bass, LAPD, LAFD and community-based safety solutions deliver urgent strategy to keep Los Angeles safe. December 2024.
17. Goudie C, Markoff B, Tressel C, Weidner R, Fagg J. Demand for private security in neighborhoods, businesses grows in Chicago and suburbs. ABC7 Chicago. May 2022.
18. Walicek T. ‘Business improvement districts’ quietly privatize the policing of public space. Truthout. October 2021.
19. Axis Communications. Working together to weave a citywide security network. 2019.
20. Bagby D. More off-duty Atlanta police officers to patrol Buckhead commercial corridors. Georgia Public Broadcasting. May 2023.

About the author

Eric J. Altorfer is a lieutenant with the San Francisco Police Department, where he has served since 2001. A graduate of California Coast University with a bachelor’s in criminal justice, his experience includes commanding the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency’s Municipal Division; serving as acting captain over the department’s Professional Standards and Principled Policing Bureau; serving as acting captain of the SFPD’s Park Station; serving as day watch platoon commander at its Tenderloin Station; and time with the department’s Internal Affairs and CompStat divisions. He has received numerous commendations over his nearly quarter century with the department.