In response to the paper “One Year of the Federal Government: Strengthening Internal Security”, the Federal Association of the Security Industry strongly criticises the fact that the role of the private security sector continues to be seriously underestimated in the overall assessment of security policy. Whilst the paper highlights extensive measures to strengthen state security authorities – ranging from expanded powers for the police and intelligence services to investments in cyber security and the protection of critical infrastructure – a central pillar of the actual security architecture is once again being overlooked.
“Anyone who talks about security in Germany whilst ignoring the private security sector is turning a blind eye to a significant part of reality,” explains BDSW President Werner Landstorfer. “Our companies secure critical infrastructure, businesses and public spaces on a daily basis. It is not only incomprehensible, but also negligent in terms of security policy, that this contribution continues to be denied the necessary political recognition.”
Security companies already perform indispensable tasks today – from protecting highly sensitive facilities and aviation security to safeguarding major events and critical supply structures. They are an integral part of the operational security architecture and relieve state authorities of a considerable burden. “The reality is clear: without the private security sector, today’s level of security in Germany could not be maintained,” Landstorfer continues. “The fact that it nevertheless features scarcely or not at all in key security policy documents and strategic considerations is a structural shortcoming that must be urgently addressed.”
Particularly in light of growing threats from terrorism, cyberattacks, hybrid security threats and organised crime, a comprehensive, realistic approach to security is essential. This can only succeed if all relevant stakeholders are consistently involved. “Politicians must finally acknowledge that security in Germany has long been organised on the basis of a division of labour,” emphasised Landstorfer. “It is not enough to deploy the private security sector on an ad hoc basis – it must be strategically integrated and recognised as a valuable partner. Anything else fails to do justice to the actual security situation.”
The BDSW therefore strongly calls for the mandatory and institutionalised integration of the private security sector into security policy decision-making processes, as well as clear political recognition of its role as an indispensable component of the national security architecture. In the association’s view, continuing to ignore this reality jeopardises the effectiveness of future security strategies.
>> Commentary: Strengthening the security sector: Why politicians and the industry now need a genuine security alliance: https://euro-security.de/en/commentary-strengthening-the-security-sector-why-politicians-and-the-industry-now-need-a-genuine-security-alliance/
