Over the past 10 years the size of the private security industry, its gross revenues, and its importance in Dutch society have steadily developed. It has become a profession and acquired a respectable status in the service industry. The Dutch government acknowledges that private security has a useful and necessary function within society. Dutch citizens are increasingly confronted with both public and private forms of surveillance. The nature and quantity of private-security services has expanded so much that it deserves an independent basis in law. The Dutch government supports initiatives designed to stimulate public- private partnerships in securing business premises, shopping malls, and other semi-public places. Private police perform their work under the guidance and jurisdiction of the public police. The future of private policing may see the standardization of security products and central alarm centers, quality accreditation, increased mobility and better communications equipment, and closer cooperation among European partners. Training and education of private security personnel will continue to be upgraded, and the government will give more consideration to contracting with private security firms for some policing activities. Private security operations will be increasingly accountable to the public and be appropriately regulated by the government. 7 figures and 12 references