Private security guard numbers are increasing. What's behind the trend? – ABC News

It is not a sight you would expect in a country town – a black-clad security guard stationed at the entry to the local public library.

But it’s an increasingly common sight across Australia, as governments turn to the private security sector to improve safety.

It’s a trend that some find reassuring, and others alarming.

Bryan de Caires, who heads the Australian Security Industry Association, says demand is growing every year.

“Over the last 10 to 15 years we’ve seen significant growth, and at the moment there’s 155,000 licensed personnel in Australia,” Mr de Caires says.

“It’s a real growth spike and it’s expected to continue to grow.”

Security guards are popping up at locations such as schools trying to contain violence among students, in shopping strips where traders are worried about vandalism, and at private suburban parties.

A fly-in, fly-out model is being used to patrol remote locations such as mine sites.

In northern Western Australia, the Education Department flies security guards to some remote Aboriginal communities to monitor school buildings and teacher houses while staff are away for the holidays.

So what’s driving the increase in private security?

‘Politicisation of fear’

Professor of criminology at the University of Sydney Murray Lee says there are a range of factors contributing to the increase.

“It’s not as though we’ve particularly reduced funding to police, so I don’t think that’s the key driver,” Professor Lee says.

“I think as a society [we’ve] become more focused on the assessment of risks, and the liabilities concerned if we don’t secure a premise and ensure people’s safety – that’s a real trend.

“And there’s been a growth in inequality here in Australia, that creates a situation where those that can afford it can use their wealth to provide an extra layer of security.

Nationally, the increase in private security doesn’t appear to correlate with an increase in crime.

Data shows overall reductions in most types of offending over the past two decades.

However, Professor Lee points out the trends are not across the board.

In some northern towns in particular, break-ins and car theft have been increasing, as communities wrestle with destructive behaviour by a relatively small number of children and teenagers.

Shire hires library security

Antisocial behaviour is also on the rise in places like Broome, where drunken violence is a common sight in public spaces.

Shire of Broome president Desiree Male says they’ve had to contract a security guard to stand at the entry to local public library to ensure the safety of staff and patrons.

“The behaviour is very disappointing and quite frankly, unacceptable,” she says.

“I don’t think it’s normal to have a security guard at somewhere like a library, however; I do think the general public understands we’re looking after their safety.”

The library has had to reduce its opening hours to offset the added cost of the security guard.

There’s been a mixed response among library regulars like Margaret Moore.

“It’s not a nice feeling, seeing security guards,” she says.

“It’s a bit disconcerting when you’re used to not having them.

“But there is some behaviour going on, it’s not on and it’s very sad.”

Conjures images of South Africa

There has also been an increase in the fortification of homes and shops in some parts of northern Australia.

Some residents have laced their fences and gates with barbed wire, and security companies are reporting a spike in demand for surveillance systems.