Private Security and the Government

Partnerships between private security entities and governments have been increasingly evident recently. We have seen a growth in security contractors working on military bases, on American Embassies, or working other jobs for the government. Though it would seem that these private security companies would detract from the authority of a state, this partnership with governments in fact enhances their authority.

                Utilizing a private security company to achieve a government’s goals is a great way of achieving their interests while avoiding major political repercussions. Though there will be some backlash due to the government or a nations association with these companies, it is greatly reduced when compared to a direct government action. Hiring private security companies allow the government to reduce its military presence. Reducing this military presence while increasing the contractor’s employed in a certain area can maintain a presence while reducing the number of military personnel deployed there.

                This reduction in military presence serves multiple purposes. Firstly, domestically the general population is happy to hear we are “bringing home the troops”. It gives a false sense of closure and removal from a situation, for example the reduction of troops in Afghanistan. Though we brought home a majority of the troops, there are still many contractors working there, particularly those who are deployed there temporarily. Many of these contractors choose to work there, particularly with the hazard pay they will receive, whereas many military members do not choose to be deployed there.

                In addition, reducing military presence and filling those slots with private contractors allows a larger portion of the defense budget to be utilized for other causes. Not only can we refocus our resources into areas that need it, but it also creates additional jobs, which in turn helps the economy domestically. Many of these private security companies employ locals or foreign nationals, which means they are also helping their economy. Having these locals working so closely linked with our government improves relations with locals and the international community in general. Having local guards at American Embassies for example reinforces the legitimization of both nations, us trusting them and wanting to work closely with them and them valuing our embassy and the responsibility of guarding it.  

                I think for these and more reasons partnerships between private security entities and governments, not only ours, have become increasingly popular. The number of private security contractors is very large, not only those who work full time but also those who deploy temporarily. There are obviously some difficulties with relying so heavily on private security entities from security issues, to responsibility for some of their actions, however, I think for now governments see the benefits outweigh their negatives.