Considerable attention has been focused on private security in recent years with a growing concern both about its role in law enforcement and advancing educational requirements for practitioners. Currently, security is seen by the public as a low paying job that requires little education with no claim to professional status. If security is to advance, the first thing that has to be addressed is the education of practitioners and the development of a body of knowledge that has been proven effective in loss reduction. Professional control of education in security does not appear likely. Unlike public law enforcement, national accrediting associations have not developed. The body of knowledge is not developed enough to require extensive training, but it is increasing. Security cannot depend on advancing technology for this body of professional knowledge. Technology is an aid, not the essence of the field. Private security is now at the point where some form of increased occupational status is possible. (Author abstract modified)