The discussion focuses on both contract security services and in-house proprietary security, using examples from Australia. A common criticism of private security is that it results from declines in resources for the police and that the solution is large increases in funding for public police. However, cost-benefit analyses of policing suggests that policing is beset by the law of diminishing returns and overlooks the crucial issue of the capacity and effectiveness of police. Private security has been present throughout history. In addition, contract and in-house security have several distinct advantages over police in crime prevention, particularly in their focus on victim protection and loss prevention and their responsiveness to client needs. Allegations of misconduct in the security industry are common. However, little public concern appears to exist regarding the security industry, but police corruption is a concern. Other issues relate to blaming the victim, the creation of private armies, and the concept of private security as agents of the ruling class. Overall, the growth of security services and new technologies pose a direct challenge to improved accountability rather than a threat to democracy and civil liberties. 42 references