Security Managers' Perceptions of Industry Regulation: An Australian Study

Abstract

In Australia, as in many other countries, regulation of the security industry is highly fragmented and subject to frequent criticisms of both inadequacy and over-regulation. For many, the industry is seen as providing an essential service but one that is vulnerable to exploitation and abuse by unscrupulous operators. Improved regulation has been promoted as a crucial component in upgrading the industry, but at present this lacks clear direction, leadership and support. Cynicism over government regulation has led to alternative proposals including de-regulation and self-regulation. In a survey of managers of Australian security companies, industry leaders rejected the latter models, instead showing a high level of consensus in favor of government regulation, especially in the area of mandated training.