Despite significantly different operational contexts and guidelines, private security services and local police departments share several common goals to promote private and public safety. To begin with, both types of organizations prioritize the safety of individuals and the protection of property. This includes preventing harm and injury to people as well as protecting against theft, damage, or other types of loss.
In addition, both private security and the police work to prevent crime just by being present. Surveillance and intervention are also used to increase private and public safety. While police more directly enforce laws, private security services also ensure compliance with legal and regulatory standards.
People often think of police and security services for their role in preventing crime or catching perpetrators. Yet, both entities are also important during times of emergencies, including accidents, medical emergencies, fires, and other critical situations. Both can act immediately to help save lives and mitigate damage to property.
Another shared goal to promote private and public safety is community engagement and support. For instance, building and maintaining positive relationships in communities is vital for increased safety. This can lead to educational efforts, outreach programs, and cooperative efforts with residents and businesses to keep the community safe. That includes information gathering and sharing.
For example, police may share intelligence about increased criminal activities in the community. Private security, on the other hand, may focus more on specific private interests. By collaborating and sharing information gathered, they can enhance the effectiveness of both private security and the police.
Shared Resources to Promote Private and Public Safety
Depending on the institution, the nature and extent of sharing resources can vary widely due to legal frameworks, local policies, and the specific community. However, there are some key areas where resources are shared more consistently.
One of the most prevalent is in the exchange of information and intelligence. For instance, it’s common to share local crime trends and data, specific incidents, or threats. These types of exchanges help both parties be more effective when it comes to preventing and reacting to crimes and emergencies.
While not applicable to a home security system, some police departments and private security firms participate in some joint training sessions. These might include scenario-based drills, seminars on legal issues, or training on new technologies. These types of joint training sessions help standardize responses and can help improve coordination during an event. Private security may also provide police with access to surveillance feeds or other property protections as they investigate an incident.
Especially if crime rates are increasing, private and public security may join together for community outreach and crime prevention programs, which can enhance public trust and encourage involvement in increased safety initiatives.
Any collaboration requires clear understanding and agreement for each party’s roles and responsibilities to enhance private and public safety.
How Telus Works with Local Law Enforcement to Promote Private and Public Safety
Again, it can depend on the different departments and institutions, but some of the ways Telus works with local law enforcement include:
- Alarm verification and response for residential and commercial properties. For instance, when an alarm is triggered, these companies first attempt to verify the alarm to ensure it isn’t a false alarm. After the alarm is verified, they promptly notify local law enforcement, who may be the first responders for the incident. This streamlined communication helps ensure the police efficiently attend to real emergencies.
- Technology and surveillance sharing as Telus offers advanced surveillance technologies, which can be integral in both crime prevention and investigation. For example, video feeds from security cameras can be shared with the local police to help identify suspects, monitor ongoing incidents, and gather evidence. Privacy laws and agreements between the parties typically govern this sharing.
- Community safety initiatives, such as sponsoring events, providing resources to the community, or engaging in public safety awareness campaigns.
- Expertise exchange between private security firms and local police departments, such as updates on local crime data, trends, and legal changes or insights on the latest security technologies and methodologies.
- Real-time communication for safety alerts or threats. While not always available, this type of enhanced communication can help coordinate responses and disseminate important information more efficiently.
Collaborative efforts between private and public security can help maximize resources and expertise to enhance overall safety and security for communities. Each collaboration, however, is typically tailored to the needs and desires of the community and the capabilities and willingness of the participating organizations.
Every home and community has different security needs. Check out our packages and call now for a free quote at 1-855-518-4458 and talk with an expert about a customized package tailored to you and your needs. Remember, a security system could also help you save on homeowner’s insurance and offer additional safety and protection as well as greater peace of mind.