Proprietary vs Contract Security Essay

Security Many types of security are in existents today, site or mobile patrol; loss prevention functions; special events security; in-house security functions and private investigations are some of the tasks. Choosing the right one for the needs of any establishment should be one of the ultimate goals of the business. This paper will focus on proprietary and contract security in particular. A comparison of the two types of security will be addressed. Identifying some of the issues in either type of security is of great importance as well as understanding the various roles of security personnel. After briefly recognizing some of the advantages and disadvantages of proprietary versus contract security, a recommendation will be rendered on which type should be utilized for the international automobile manufacturer that I have been assigned as the security manager. Comparison Proprietary security is controlled entirely by a particular company and is responsible for the hiring, firing and management of personnel. Contract security is operated by a professional security company and contracts its services to different companies. The status of proprietary security is considered higher than contract security, attracting a higher quality of security personnel and a greater expense in wages. The cost for contract security is becoming more prevalent because of the increased price tag or liability for companies. Although this is not true for all companies; many directors of security fear that switching to a contract provider will mean they are of decreased value to their company (Allied Barton, 2009). In contrast, security directors that outsource their security program often find they no longer spend long day to day hours managing security officers. Instead, they are able to offer their skills in more prominent and visible areas of security and consulting and analysis (Allied Barton, 2009). Both types of security may include the same services with benefits; yet, there are some advantages and disadvantages. Advantages and Disadvantages Proprietary security is still viewed as having many advantages than contract security. The consistency, best training for security personnel and specific needs offer the balance to identify different types of behaviors toward employees. Contract security was seen in the past as inadequate, untrained and not loyal; today, there has been an increase in use of contract security vendors. The performance levels of private security vendors, high level of educated and experienced security professionals have caused the cost factor to be a secondary consideration. While there are many other reasons for advantages and disadvantages in these two types of security, addressing the issues in choosing which is best for any particular business should be weighed. Conclusion There are many costs and benefits to be considered when choosing a proprietary or contract security. When deciding on the type of security, be sure to weigh the positives and negatives of the different types and which can be more beneficial to the business. Each business will have its own personnel and facility knowledge. Proprietary security is more costly when replacing individuals. Contract security makes it easier to lower the internal pressures and provide services such as recruiting, training, supervision, security factors, uniforms, and the costs is lower than proprietary security. My recommendation as the security manager for the international automobile manufacturer is to utilize the contract security. Many types of security are in existents today; choosing the right one for the needs of any establishment should be one of the ultimate goals of the business. The objective to focus on proprietary and contract security has been addressed and compared. This paper has identified some of the issues in one or the other type of security and elaborated on the significant importance as well as understanding the various roles of security personnel. After briefly recognizing some of the advantages and disadvantages of proprietary versus contract security, a recommendation has been rendered to utilize contract security for the international automobile manufacturer that I have been assigned as the security manager.