Literature Review and Theoretical Framework
Private Security Companies (PSCs) are viewed as registered and licensed
business oriented organizations that provide uniformed manned-guard
protection duties and other related services to members of the public,
non-governmental bodies and government agencies for monetary reward in
line with established Act of Parliament. Schreier and Caparini (2005, p.
2) define Private Security Companies as “companies that specialize in
providing security and protection of personnel and property including
humanitarian and industrial assets”. Kasali (2011) tried to classify
PSCs into registered and unregistered private security companies. It is
important to understand that the distinguishing feature between private
security companies (uniformed manned- guard) and any other PSC lies in
the licensing of the PSC with the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence
Corps (NSCDC) to operate as manned private security company (those who
provide uniformed security guards). Thus, all PSCs may be registered but
not licensed to provide uniformed security guards to individuals and
corporations. So, classification of PSCs using registration alone as
criteria is misleading.
Private security is a security service provided by self-employed
individuals and privately funded business organizations to specific
customers for a monetary payment. According to Cunningham, Strauchs, Van
Meter, & Hallcrest (1990), the concept seems to focus on job functions,
the influence of profit and users. It also involves the inclusion of
material production sector, namely the manufacturing, distribution and
installation of equipment and technology (Strom, Berzofsky, Shook-sa,
Barrick, Daye, Horstmann, Kinsey (2010). Green (1981) argues that
private security are those individuals and organizations other than
formal policing agencies, which are basically involved in the prevention
and control of crime, loss or harm against particular individuals and
organizations especially, those who hired their services.
Crime control means the prevention, reduction or outright deterrence of
crime within the society or within a particular environment. It involves
all the policies, strategies and programmes aimed at ensuring the
reduction of criminality to its barest minimum in the society. It means
the application of all efforts designed towards effective checkmating of
the activities of criminals in a given society (Igbo, 2007). Crime
control, therefore, requires riding the society of crime and criminal
activities.
Security refers to protection from physical or direct violence, and
freedom from fear or danger. Security entails the total well-being of
the individual and society. In other words, security is “the situation
that exists as a result of establishment of measures for the protection
of persons, information, and property against hostile persons,
influences and action (Akin, 2008 cited in Achumba, Ighomereho &
Akpor-Robaro, 2013 p.80). It is on this basis that a review of a
theoretical framework on crime control which is targeted at containing
criminality in the society becomes critical in this study.
The Rational choice theory (Cornish & Clarke, 1986) and Routine
activity theory (Cohen & Felson, 1979), are adopted as the theoretical
framework to guide this study. The two theories amply explain the role
and functions of a capable, efficient, and effective security force in
ensuring that crime is minimized in the society through the application
of well articulated and rationalized crime control strategies.
Rational choice theory explains that criminals are intelligent people
who rationally process their choice before taking action in order to
maximize their benefits (avoid being caught). Therefore, the target,
relevant information about the target, location, and techniques of
operation has to be carefully considered before potential criminal
decides to embark on any enterprise. Consequently, most private security
company’s policies are aimed at reducing the vulnerability of crimes by
increasing the possible risks to offenders. More than ever before, the
presence of private security is felt everywhere in the country. Hence,
Sklansky (2008 p.124) observed that “on any given outing, we are more
likely to encounter a private security guard than a uniformed police
officer”. Security guards are strategically mounted at hotspots to
proactively prevent potential criminals from executing their planned
acts.
On the other hand, routine activity theory is premised on three
assumptions: a motivated offender, a suitable victim and absence of a
capable guardian (security measures) and the three conditions must be
present in order for criminal act to be committed. Felson (1994) noted
that routine activity and economic changes increase suitable targets,
especially for property crimes. The application of this theory is
considered very useful, because there may be a motivated offender and
suitable target but because of the alertness and ever heavy presence of
security guards, crime is prevented or controlled. The goal of private
security companies is to be proactive and ensure that opportunity for
criminal activity is completely contained. Cohen & Felson (1979) argued
that crime does not need hardened criminals, super-predators, convicted
criminals or callous people, crime just needs an opportunity. It is that
opportunity that provides the express avenue for criminals to perpetuate
their criminal acts. Efforts must therefore be made to ensure that
opportunity for crime commission is completely denied. Thus, the
presence of security guards acts as a very suitable crime control
mechanism in reducing the rate of crime in any area assigned to them.
The focus is to ensure that private security guards maintain all round
security of their operational base and ensure opportunity to commit
crime is denied to potential criminals. Aside from the human aspect of
guardianship, the strategies to be adopted also involves the application
of surveillance technology, closed television circuit and monitoring
camera, intrusion alarm, burglary alarm, biometric sensor alarm, target
hardening by way of extra locks, high perimeter fences, secured gates,
improved street lighting, and environmental clear sites. It is important
to note that darkness and uncut bushes may be suitable meeting points
for criminals to hide and survey their choice targets and even to strike
their victims. Thus, the integration of these two theories will ensure
crime is deterred or prevented and this is the main job of security
guards (crime prevention and deterrence).