The concept of private security began with kings and queens of old as assassinations and corruption began to spread throughout human civilization. It began from protecting the royalties and their properties and soon, the king’s guard wasn’t the only set of security guards around. Wealthy individuals also started to follow the same practice.

Security guards managed to keep homes and properties relatively safe, but the same couldn’t be said about the roads; particularly in the early years of the American Revolution. Outlaws would make travel alone fraught with danger. And so, private security got mobile following caravans and hiding inside them to keep them safe on long journeys.

Over time, as weapon systems evolved, so did security guards. Automatic guns, cameras, cars, bikes, and mobile communication devices meant that what 10 guards could do in the past; only one could do now and in a much more efficient manner. And hence, the private security sector developed and became modernized.

But with modernization, more and more security risks also came to be. Now, it wasn’t enough to physically secure a client and their property. The digital age meant that cybercrimes became a much bigger threat now and so, cybersecurity came into being. Physical and cybersecurity also have several subcategories, thus creating a net of security we call security infrastructure. The biggest challenge faced by modern private security officers is to understand what to protect, how, and when because of the countless moving parts involved therein.

The best way to address the issue of having to take care of so many factors is to spread out the manpower we have and let them rely on technology. Three main concerns may arise here.

1. The organization may not have enough manpower but sufficient technology

2. The organization may have sufficient manpower but not enough technology

3. The organization may not have sufficient manpower nor the technology

In the first case, the best course of action is to invest in technology that allows the organization to cover a much broader area and rely on preventive measures only. In case anything happens and the manpower is stretched thin, the first course of action security guards should take is to inform law enforcement. As an administrator, since I am going to be relying on law enforcement quite a bit for my security needs, I would maintain a very healthy relationship with them to ensure quicker response times.

As for the second issue, we should consider letting go of some staff for the sake of efficiency, but keep enough to cover the whole area we are trying to cover and some reserves (or the quick response force). The manpower should be dispersed in such a manner that all avenues are covered, physical and digital.

For the third issue, the organization should consider hiring further or only take contracts that fit their scope better.