Abstract
While the concept of private security is often considered to be a relatively modern phenomenon, the reality is that some form of private security has existed for centuries. Whether it is the invention of locks, or the design of ancient forts and battlements, or the provision of different people-related services, the concept of private security has existed for much longer than the modern security guard. This chapter will look at examples of early security and follow the gradual emergence of the private security industry (PSI) and what we find today. While it would be impossible in one chapter to cover the entire vast history of the industry, we have selected examples that, as we believe, show the broad spectrum within the PSI and some of the key points in the industry’s history. In looking at some of the earliest forms of private security, we will also be able to draw parallels with the industry that exists today.
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© 2014 Bruce George and Simon Kimber
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George, B., Kimber, S. (2014). The History of Private Security and Its Impact on the Modern Security Sector. In: Gill, M. (eds) The Handbook of Security. Palgrave Macmillan, London. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-349-67284-4_2
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