Is Private Policing the Future of Security Services in the UK?

Public confidence in UK policing has been falling for years. A 2024 YouGov survey revealed that more Britons are unconfident than confident in the police’s ability to deal with crime.

Only around one in three believe the police are performing well, a dramatic decline compared with a decade ago.

At the same time, recorded crime in England and Wales has reached its highest levels in two decades, yet just 5.6% of offences resulted in a charge or summons in the year ending March 2024 (Home Office data). For many, this highlights a growing gap between public expectation and the reality of policing in the UK.

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Private security officer providing a visible presence in the community

Why Public Confidence in Policing Is Declining in the UK

Several factors have contributed to this drop in confidence:

• Falling charge rates: Victims of crime often feel let down when cases are dropped or not pursued.

  
  

• Visible resource shortages: Fewer police officers are present on local streets compared with 10–15 years ago.

  
  

• Perception issues: High-profile cases, policing of protests, and inconsistent enforcement have added to the sense of frustration.

For many communities, the police feel distant and overstretched, more reactive than proactive.

The Rise of Private Security in the UK

In response, private security services are stepping in to fill the void. Once limited mainly to guarding property, today’s private security sector is far more advanced. Security officers now:

• Patrol business parks, retail spaces, and residential developments

• Respond to alarms and provide mobile patrols

• Support public events and crowd safety

• Work with police under CSAS (Community Safety Accreditation Schemes)

During the pandemic, private security was recognised as part of the wider emergency response, keeping hospitals, supermarkets, and supply chains safe when it mattered most.

From Policing to Security Partnerships

While the police continue to focus on national priorities such as terrorism, drugs, and organised crime, front line community safety is increasingly supported by private security companies.

The government’s cost saving drive, combined with ongoing recruitment challenges in policing, is likely to accelerate this trend. In some towns, it is already more common to see a uniformed security officer on patrol than a police constable.

Innovation and Technology in Private Policing

One of the key advantages of private security firms is adaptability. Unlike public services, the private sector can innovate quickly, investing in:

• AI-driven CCTV monitoring and video verification systems

• Perimeter Intrusion Detection Systems (PIDs)

• Mobile surveillance towers

• Robotics, drones, and smart analytics

This blend of technology and manpower makes private security a highly flexible option, capable of scaling up rapidly in response to emerging risks.

A Shift in Public Perception

Historically, private security was often seen as a “necessary extra”, useful but not trusted in the same way as police. That perception is beginning to change.

With better training, professional standards, and visible presence, private security officers are becoming an accepted and respected part of community safety.

As this trust grows, so too does the argument that private policing could play a permanent role in the UK’s security future.

Conclusion: What the Future Holds

The decline in public confidence in policing, coupled with rising crime and resource pressures, suggests that private policing will continue to expand in the UK.

This doesn’t mean the end of traditional policing. Instead, the likely outcome is a hybrid model where police focus on serious and organised crime, while private security companies handle much of the day to day community protection, events, and property security.

The UK security industry is already changing, and private policing may soon move from a supporting role to a central one.

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About the Author:

Justin Quigley, is a recognised security expert in the protection of property through the introduction and deployment of technical and non-technical security measures, including CCTV towers, video verification systems, fencing, perimeter protection technology, hostile vehicle barriers, alarms and analytical camera systems. He is a prolific writer on the subject of crime prevention, security technology and void property security.