Security Guards: The Answer To the Shortage Of Police

For a long time security guards have provided for the security needs of many private homes, villages, offices and commercial buildings. These security personnel have long contributed to maintaining peace and order of the area and premises that they are assigned to patrol. Their training have prepared them on how to spot and handle potential trouble. This is perhaps why the councils across the New South Wales have relied on hiring security guards acting as surrogate police. This is the solution that the many councils have taken to respond to the insufficient number of police to patrol and guard. 

A report on the The Sunday Telegraph stated that the councils are also taking more security measures by investing on thousands of taxpayers’ money on CCTV cameras all over the region. They are also buying patrol cars to cover an extensive area and provide the needed pair of eyes and ears. The councils are aiming to up the level of security as well as provide essential police tools.

Moreover, Mayor Phyllis Miller of Forbes Shire validates that her council hire security guards to provide the safety and security that the community needs. Although there is a shortage of police officers, the council makes sure that the people can be assured that their safety is a main consideration. In fact, security guards patrol the area every night using the patrol cars. Still, the councils prefer additional police but for now, they have to contend with security guards as substitutes. In addition, Mayor Paul Green of Shoalhaven admits that the government is unable to respond to the needs of the police force in the rural areas.

It was actually Pittwater Council in Northern Sydney that first ventured into using security guards to provide the security needs of the Village Park in Mona Vale way back in 2007. They patrol the area from Thursday to Saturday every evening, but they are also assigned in other pertinent areas. Security remains a priority for the Pittwater councils, who are jointly spending an estimate of more than $200,000 annually. They even spend $450,000 to finance the four new CCTV cameras two years ago.

Many other councils are showing interest in duplicating the hiring of security guards. The Wentworth Shire Council in far Western NSW, is keen on copying the other councils, that is, if they can fit it into their budget. This news truly validates the tremendous contribution of security guards in making the community a safe place to be.