Private security firms spark police concern

The increase in private security companies patrolling the streets has sparked concern from police figures that community safety is being commoditised.

The BBC has reported an increase in private security firms charging residents to patrol streets and deter troublemakers, despite record police numbers in England and Wales. Such firms have no real policing powers, although chief constables may award minor powers – these include allowing them to move people on.

Former Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Ian Blair told the BBC there should be no role for the private sector in Britain's law enforcement.

The vice-chairman of the Police Federation, Simon Reed, also told the BBC such firms could cause problems. “We have got people who have certain powers, we are going to see them in uniform. Potentially there is confusion there for the public and who are they actually accountable to?” he said. “I understand the public's fear of crime but actually it's the police who patrol public space and we should be very wary about giving those powers to private security companies.”

Sir Ian criticised private sector policing as commoditising community safety. "Unless we get this right, we will end up with private security coming in and they will work for the rich and the poor will go without," he said.