The reelection of the Conservative government in 1992 resulted in increased scrutiny of police performance and the application of private-sector principles to the police service. The revised response was based on market values; a reduction of tasks to identify priorities, make maximum use of resources, and target criminals; and to screen crimes to determine which to investigate. During this period private security was expanding rapidly, particularly in dealing with commercial crime. The increased use of contract security in place of police officers is likely to continue. The opinion is also emerging that no reason exists for the police to retain a monopoly over policing. In fact, the current situation is partly attributable to police initiatives to provide a better, more cost-effective police service. It is unlikely that private security will reduce the need for the public police, but it is both necessary and desirable that public and private police accept each other's existence and work together. Table, figure, and 31 references