The Evolving Role of Manned Guarding: Challenges and Opportunities

By Frank Costa, President, Nexgen Protection Services

The manned guarding sector continues to evolve, with private and in-house security officers increasingly being tasked with responsibilities that resemble those traditionally handled by police. In many areas, security guards—whether contracted through private firms or directly employed by local councils—are seen directing traffic, securing crime scenes, and preserving forensic evidence with professionalism and discipline on par with police officers.

This convergence of roles raises important questions: Why aren’t security officers, especially those licensed under the SIA (Security Industry Authority), more fully integrated into the public safety ecosystem? Why are they not routinely deployed in a more official capacity to relieve pressure on overstretched police forces?

One reason lies in institutional hesitation. Some police leaders remain reluctant to relinquish public-facing duties, seeing them as core to their mission and identity. This cultural resistance, combined with bureaucratic and operational hurdles, prevents a deeper partnership between the police and the private security sector.

Despite this, the work performed by security officers in public spaces is, in many cases, remarkably similar to that of sworn officers—and often just as courageous. Whether patrolling urban districts, responding to incidents, or maintaining order during large events, private security professionals are demonstrating the capability and commitment needed to support public safety efforts.

However, two persistent barriers continue to impede closer collaboration: vetting and communications. Unlike police officers, private security personnel often lack access to national vetting systems or secure communication networks (such as police radio channels). This gap undermines operational trust and coordination. At its core, it’s an issue of trust—between the state, the police, and the private security industry.

Until these structural issues are addressed, the full potential of security officers as an extended arm of public policing will remain unrealized. Nonetheless, the increasing reliance on private guards for frontline duties signals a shift in how public safety is being delivered —and it calls for a fresh conversation about the roles, recognition, and responsibilities of all uniformed protectors in society.

 

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Source:

Rowe, M. State of guarding: part one.(July2025) Professional Security Magazine