South Africa[edit]

Main article: Private security industry in South Africa

Security guards along with the rest of the private security industry are
regulated under Act 56 of 2001, Private Security Industry Regulation
Act.[37]
United States[edit]
Private security guards have outnumbered police officers since the
1980s, predating the heightened concern about security brought on by
the September 11, 2001, attacks. The more than 1 million contract
security officers, and an equal number of guards estimated to work
directly for U.S. corporations, is much greater than the nearly 700,000
sworn law enforcement officers in the United States.[38] Most states
require a license to work as a security officer.[39] This license may
include a criminal background check or mandated training
requirements. Security guards have the same powers of arrest as a
private citizen, called a "private person" arrest, "any person" arrest, or
"citizen's arrest". If weapons are carried, additional permits and
training are usually required. Armed security personnel are generally
employed to protect sensitive sites such as government and military
installations, armored money transports, casinos, banks and other
financial institutions, and nuclear power plants. However, armed
security is quickly becoming a standard for vehicle patrol officers and
on many other non-government sites.
In some states, companies are developing technology to enhance
private security. Using behavior analysis, computers can detect
threats more quickly with fewer errors in judgement. Using specific
algorithms, a computer can now detect aggressive and defensive
body language, which triggers an alert to security or proper authorities
depending on the event. These systems can also track slips and falls,
theft and other events commonly experienced in corporate America.
[40]
The responsibilities of security guards in the United States are
expanding in scope.[3] For example, a trend is the increasing use of
private security to support services previously provided by police
departments. James F. Pastoraddresses substantive legal and public
policy issues which directly or indirectly relate to the provision of
security services. These can be demonstrated by the logic of
alternative or supplemental service providers. The use of private
police has particular appeal because property or business owners can
directly contract for public safety services, thereby providing welcome
relief for municipal budgets. Finally, private police functions can be
flexible, depending upon the financial, organizational, political, and
circumstances of the client.[41]