Private security is essential to ensuring the security and safety of persons and property, as well as intellectual property and sensitive corporate information. Private security officers are responsible for protecting many of the nation‘s institutions and critical infrastructure systems, including industry and manufacturing, utilities, transportation, and health and educational facilities.

Companies are also heavily invested in private security, hiring security firms to perform functions such as store security, private investigations, pre-employment screening, and information technology (IT) security. These services are used in a wide range of markets, from commercial to residential.

Some companies hire their own security personnel, whereas others contract with security firms for these services or use a mix of services—both proprietary and contract staff.