Private security includes guard and patrol services, alarms and other theft-prevention approaches, and other security technology such as access controls and closed-circuit television. The private security industry has experienced tremendous growth in recent years. In addition, shopping malls, residential communities, schools, and other areas are increasingly using private security patrols for public areas. However, the level of training and the qualifications of the security personnel are not known. Additional issues are whether controls are needed to ensure accountability and whether tax and cost issues are resulting in the replacement of police with private security personnel. The government Green Paper published 10 years ago took a narrow view of the issues, overlooking issues of the benefits of an improvement in training standards. Thus, the British Security Industry Association currently provides the only source of standards and control. Further control imposed by the government is unlikely, although the establishment of a single European market will influence future developments in the security industry. This industry will continue to be part of a multi-agency effort to address crime and can be a major force for good if it uses proper safeguards and is seen as efficient and well managed. Appended cost analysis, discussion of supervision, and list of 23 sources.