The increasing complexity of modern threats – from the COVID-19 pandemic to terrorist activities – has led to private security companies (PSCs) being increasingly recognised as indispensable partners of public law enforcement agencies (LEAs). This overview summarises the key findings of a comprehensive white paper that highlights the importance, opportunities and challenges of public-private partnerships (PPPs) in the European security sector.

1. Context and significance of PPPs

In the face of global crises and structural challenges such as a shortage of skilled personnel in state security forces, governments have increasingly relied on the expertise and resources of private security companies. PSCs complement the traditional tasks of LEA by taking preventive action, using modern technologies and reacting flexibly to changing threats. This cooperation makes it possible to conserve public resources while achieving a higher level of security for people, critical infrastructure and public spaces.

2. Opportunities and success factors

Resource efficiency and specialisation:

By taking on tasks such as access control, surveillance and risk analysis, PSCs can enable LEAs to focus on their core tasks such as combating serious crime and terrorism. This division of labour leads to a better strategic use of resources and a significant increase in operational efficiency.

Innovative technologies and flexibility:

Private security companies continuously invest in state-of-the-art technologies and specialised training programmes. Their market orientation fosters a culture of performance measurement and continuous improvement. This leads to rapid response capabilities and enables security measures to be dynamically adapted to current threats.

Extended security reach:

The combination of the regulatory authority and intelligence gathering ability of LEAs with the operational expertise and technological advances of PSCs creates added value that supports a comprehensive and proactive security strategy.

3. Challenges and solutions

Despite the numerous advantages, PPPs also face significant challenges:

• Building trust and sharing information: Different organisational cultures and data security concerns often complicate the smooth flow of information between public and private actors. To address these challenges, the white paper recommends regular joint training, structured communication processes and the use of encrypted communication channels.
• Legal framework: The legal design of PPPs varies considerably across Europe. While formal partnership models are established in only nine EU member states, informal cooperation often exists in other countries. A harmonisation of the legal basis and the adaptation of procurement procedures and data protection regulations are therefore essential to promote cooperation.
• Cultural differences and recognition of expertise: Mutual recognition of each other’s strengths – be it the enforcement power and legal legitimacy of the LEAs or the technical expertise and innovative strength of the PSCs – is crucial. A common language and coordinated training programmes could help here.

4. Best practice examples

The White Paper presents several successful models that are considered best practice:

• Spain – Red Azul and COOPERA: In Spain, structured cooperation programmes have existed for over a decade, in which private security forces are actively involved in the work of the national police and Guardia Civil. These initiatives are based on mutual information sharing, joint operational planning and regular evaluations of the cooperation.
• United Kingdom – Project Griffin (now ACT Awareness): This nationwide programme integrates cooperation between the public security apparatus and the private sector in the area of counterterrorism. Through training and information sharing, security awareness in the business community is strengthened and rapid coordination in the event of a crisis is made possible.
• Regional initiatives in Norway and Belgium: At the regional level, projects such as the cooperation between the police and private security services in Oslo or the security programmes in Belgian cities, such as Antwerp and Mechelen, also show how local security challenges can be met more effectively through targeted cooperation.

5. Political and strategic recommendations

The white paper calls on both European and national decision-makers to take concrete action:

• Adapting the legal framework: Existing legislation needs to be revised to reduce legal uncertainties in cooperation. Clear definitions of responsibilities and standardised procedures can significantly increase the effectiveness of PPPs.
• Promoting transparency and trust: Regular joint training, workshops and evaluations should help to establish a culture of mutual trust. In particular, the secure and structured exchange of relevant information is of central importance.
• Standardisation of processes: By developing joint standards and protocols – for example, for measuring security services or conducting risk assessments – both sectors can work together more effectively.
• Integration in training: An important step is the integration of PSC skills into LEAs’ training programmes. This will create a deeper understanding of the possibilities and limitations of private security services and improve cooperation at all levels.

6. Conclusion

Public-private partnerships are an essential building block for a modern, resilient security concept. The combination of state authority and private innovation offers the opportunity to effectively meet the challenges of a constantly changing threat landscape. Despite existing hurdles – for example, in legal matters and in building trust – successful practical examples show that sustainable security improvements can be achieved with the right strategic orientation and a clear, cooperative framework.

The future of security lies in strengthening and expanding these partnerships. Public authorities and private security companies are equally called upon to work together to create a comprehensive, flexible and future-oriented security architecture that is up to the challenges of today and tomorrow.

COESS Whitepapers: https://www.coess.org/newsroom.php?page=white-papers