The Future of the Security Industry: Trends and Transformations
A combination of economic pressures, technological advancements, and shifting societal needs are driving the security industry's significant evolution in the future. While forecasting the future is fraught with uncertainty, an analysis of historical trends and current developments offers valuable insights into what the coming years might hold for this critical sector.
The trend towards outsourcing security services is set to continue, reflecting broader corporate strategies aimed at cost reduction and efficiency enhancement. Historically, the shift from in-house security operations to contracted services has been significant. Moving forward, the emphasis is likely to shift from cost to quality, with organisations willing to invest in premium services to ensure superior security measures.
Private security firms are increasingly seen as providing cost-effective protection solutions. The availability of such services is growing, fueling competition and, consequently, driving value for clients. Technological advancements play a pivotal role here, with dropping costs making sophisticated systems more accessible. The widespread use of CCTV in public spaces in countries like Australia, exemplifies this trend. The response times of private security public order response teams are minutes compared to Australian police response times, which often are over an hour, if they respond at all.
There is an observable shift in the role of traditional law enforcement, with budget constraints leading to a more focused approach to policing. Law enforcement agencies are increasingly prioritising high-stakes crimes such as violent offences while expecting businesses to take greater responsibility for internal issues like white-collar crime and robberies. This shift necessitates a stronger internal security presence within organisations, particularly in sectors prone to financial and reputational risks. Where juveniles are involved, police often hand the offenders back to "a responsible adult" instead of charging them, even without any evidence that the adult is responsible. In the Northern Territory, a judiciary that is either corrupt or ineffective routinely browbeats the police, who hardly bother to effectively charge juvenile offenders. This has led to extremely high levels of recidivism and the murder of innocent individuals by repeat violent armed offenders
The role of in-house security directors is becoming more demanding and comprehensive. Security leaders need to justify their budgets meticulously, possess a broad range of management skills, and integrate effectively with other departments such as HR and risk management. The expectation to deliver more with less, combined with the need for strong computer skills and adaptability, is reshaping what it means to be a security director today.
The market for security equipment, particularly surveillance and access control systems, continues to see robust growth. Innovations in technology, especially in signal transmission, are expected to have a significant impact. Public expectations are also changing; security systems are becoming commonplace, not just in businesses but also in private residences and community settings.
In several regions in Australia, due to government policies catering to eco-terrorists and activists alike, power outages are becoming more frequent due to increased demand, ageing infrastructure, and insufficient generation capacity. These outages, whether caused by natural disasters, human error, or ignorant policies, highlight the need for comprehensive security and emergency preparedness in utilities and other critical infrastructure sectors.
Media coverage of natural disasters is increasing public awareness and concern, shifting some of the security focus from crime prevention to disaster preparedness and response. This trend is creating opportunities for security firms to offer specialised services in emergency planning, response, and recovery, not just in traditional crime prevention.
Technological, economic, and social factors are influencing the security industry. As it adapts to these challenges, the industry not only has to protect against traditional threats but also innovate to manage new risks associated with technological and environmental changes. The future will likely see security firms becoming integral players in a broader context, encompassing everything from corporate risk management to community safety and disaster resilience. The obvious failures in ethical and moral management by bureaucrats and law enforcement when provided emergency powers during the COVID debacle have led to an increase in citizens in Australia carrying weapons, and the proliferation of projectile weapons capable of going through police vests. The increase in neurological harm through iatrogenisis and medical mistreatment has increased excess deaths dramatically. The biggest killer of Australians democide.
In Australia, the restrained authority of private security personnel, bound by ethical and moral integrity, holds a distinct appeal over the more heavily armed and militarized police forces. These police are often seen as enforcing the whims and often detrimental policies of unelected bureaucrats, whose credibility might be likened to the aftermath of a vindaloo meal — fleeting and untrustworthy. From the author.
The opinions and statements are those of Sam Wilks and do not necessarily represent whom Sam Consults or contracts to. Sam Wilks is a skilled and experienced Security Consultant with almost 3 decades of expertise in the fields of Real estate, Security, and the hospitality/gaming industry. His knowledge and practical experience have made him a valuable asset to many organizations looking to enhance their security measures and provide a safe and secure environment for their clients and staff.
Comments