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).