Relations between police and private security officers: a case study of Serbia

• Published in: Security journal Vol. 35; no. 2; pp. 531 - 548
• Main Authors: Janković, Bojan, Cvetković, Vladimir M., Milojević, Saša, Ivanović, Zvonimir
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London Palgrave Macmillan UK 01.06.2022; Palgrave Macmillan
• Subjects: Crime and Society; Criminology and Criminal Justice; Original Article; Personnel; Police; Security; Security personnel; Social Sciences; Serbia; Perceptions; Survey; Relations; Private security; Police; Serbia
• ISSN: 0955-1662; 1743-4645
• DOI: 10.1057/s41284-021-00289-z

In the last few years, under the influence of various circumstances, the demand for the private security industry has increased in Serbia. The aim of this research is to examine the extent and quality of cooperation between members of the public and private security sector as the mutual perception of its members because their relations are important for establishing a safe environment for citizens. The survey was conducted from February to June 2019 using a questionnaire among 190 police officers and 178 security personnel. The results of this research showed that mutual relations between the private security personnel and police officers are satisfactory, but also that members of private security look at these relations from a brighter side and have a very positive attitude towards members of the police, while members of the police view these relations more negatively. The results of this research can be used for planning campaigns to improve the relationships between police officers and security personnel.