Nikolaos Kolaitis*

“Draw conclusions for what does not appear based on what appears“. According to the ancient saying of the Greek philosopher and legislator Solon, it is useful to infer what does not appear on the basis of what appears. Analyzing the concept of private security, the above quote seems to have excellent fit. Private security is “the degree of protection against the dangers that may arise to humans and facilities, such as damage, loss, crime, error or other immoral practices.”

“Private Security” is a term that is “heard” and “read” more than ever, taking on a clear professionalism field. A field whose various sectors such as money laundering, port and airport security, VIP security, facility security, alarm and surveillance systems could be likened to a large tree with its branches and offshoots. A tree with Prevention forming its solid trunk, and with Man and Technology forming its roots.

Private Secutiy main pilars

The main pillars of protection for which Private Security is tasked are: man, facilities, information, money, values or any other valuables. Private Security has historically existed and will continue to exist as long as methods continue to ensure a ‘healthy’ environment in which one can work, move, shop, travel and, in general, operate.

A brief historical overview is necessary. Why? Because we need to study the past so as to determine the future (Confucius) of private security, a field, a know-how that is constantly evolving and changing.

The human appearance on earth had to, in every way, devise ways of staying protected both from humans and wildlife. Individuals, as human beings, evolve hand in hand with the dangers of their environment, as exemplified by the Great Wall of China which was built for protection. Later, in the 17th century settlers who migrated to America used the model of patrol to protect their assets from criminals. 

During World War II, problems related to “business espionage” arose and this led to a sense of “insecurity” (literally and metaphorically) towards private businesses due to the particular emphasis on safeguarding that was then only intended for state purposes. The government, wishing to fill the gap created, conferred auxiliary military police rights, duties and obligations to a large number of civilians / security guards in industries (at this point it is important to make clear that private security does not aim to take the place of public security; rather, the emphasis of this overview is on the fact that private security is an important part of wider security).

Security Camera

The same pattern applies to another major category of Private Security, Cyber Security, or, for the early years of mankind, the additional security measures. In China and Egypt these measures took the form of locks on doors, the first alarm system for doors constructed by British inventors in the 18th century, as well as the patent for infringements connected to a bell in 1852. Evolutionarily, the process of Private Security is moving from the ‘bell’ to the present-day high-tech electronic security measures: alarm systems of different categories, multi-attribute surveillance circuits. 

In Cyprus, a professional sector has been established which has been statutory since 2009 and has a wealth of security service providers, including closed-circuit monitoring and alarm system companies. The industry has a significant “presence” in critical infrastructure such as airports, ports, schools and all kinds of facilities. Also, worth mentioning is the considerable number of private security guards with “presence” in various facilities such as residences, hotels and businesses.

Private Security is inextricably linked to human beings, technology and risk protection. It is a never-ending interaction through which, with the proper use of its (Private Security) tools, we have the desired degree of protection.

*BA,MA,DipSec,CCO

Also read: EXCLUSIVE | “State of the art” security system by Krypto in a National Guard camp