Security Officers and Policing

Reviews / Votes

'This excellent book provides a valuable analysis of the legal tools, operational practices and organizational cultures of private security guards. Presenting new empirical evidence to challenge taken-for-granted assumptions about the security industry, the author also raises important implications for the future regulation of security and for the theoretical analysis of nodal governance.' Les Johnston, Institute of Criminal Justice Studies, UK 'The phenomenal growth in private security is a crucial factor in the major transformation of policing around the world in recent decades. Although this has provoked extensive theoretical and political discussion, relatively little is known about the characteristics, culture, powers and practices of security officers. Mark Button's vivid case studies of private security in operation, based on extensive direct observation of security officers, is a major contribution to our understanding of this vital area of social control and policing.' Robert Reiner, London School of Economics and Political Science, UK '...this work provides a valuable insight into the realities of the duties performed by private security officers and brings into focus the complex mixture of the good, bad and grey areas associated with their work. This book is essential reading for all practitioners, policy-makers and academics with an interest in security issues, whether private or public. Furthermore, this work sends out a clear message that the time is long overdue for a project of this nature to be conducted on a nationwide basis.' Justice of the Peace 'There are few studies or books on the topic...The subject matter was thoroughly researched...It would be especially helpful for managers supervising a guard force in Great Britain, or any country governed by similar laws.' Security Management 'Mark Button's work on describing the experience of PSO's is a valuable contribution to the literature in an area that is becoming increasingly significant as