The Relation between Public and Private Policing
In: Tonry, M. & Morris, N. Eds. Modern Policing. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 399-434.
37 Pages Posted: 15 Feb 2017
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The Relation between Public and Private Policing
The Relation between Public and Private Policing
Date Written: September 5, 1991
Abstract
Employment by private policing agencies equals or exceeds public police employment in many countries. Reigning conceptions of relations between public police and private policing have changed markedly. A state-centered view of police functions disparaged 'private armies' and saw order maintenance as a quintessential function of government. In recent decades, a laissez-faire view has emerged that celebrates 'private-public partnerships' and sees private policing as an industry providing both a service and a public benefit. Social theorists question the wisdom and the likely future directions of the privatisation of order maintenance.
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