The Role of the Private Security Company Dr David Claridge BAPSC First Annual Conference 30 October 2006

An important announcement I speak only for myself

A startling revelation We are not saints

Another shock Nor are we sinners (mostly)

The similarities between PSCs and “normal” business are irrefutable We are motivated by profit We seek to return value to our shareholders We want to build sustainable businesses We believe in meeting our clients’ needs and demands Business growth depends upon reputation Reputations are built upon successful delivery of service We generally want to be left alone The bottom line: PSCs exist to make money Breaking the rules (and norms) is mostly bad for business

Andy and Sabrina’s typology of PSC activity

But what do PSC’s really do? Predominantly, advise corporate clients on protecting people, assets and business integrity It is easily possible to outsource: Information and advice Strategy and process Education and training Protective services Logistical and organisational services Response services An efficient means of providing “just in time” responses and high expertise services Operate in the no man’s land between public and private

In other words… Release expertise to a client Skills they do not possess (any more?) Capacity they do not possess Organisational focus they may lack Allow clients to release their own expertise Large operations in short time frames Mundane and dirty jobs Skill transfer Liability dispersal Accountability and flexibility

You are right to ask questions PSCs provide security What about all the other risk management and conflict services? PSCs should be defensive only What about training the military? Or drug interdiction? Good PSCs operate within codes of conduct But ethics is still a USP in our industry PSCs are more lean and efficient than militaries Does this compromise discipline and management? PSCs are well suited to complex situations But other conflict parties may not have adjusted so quickly

We will do our bit… The industry believes in regulation To protect reputation To ensure standards To allow growth into new areas There are boundaries for what we can and cannot do Universal obligations National obligations Local obligations All PSCs must respect the boundaries You have the buying power

Doing business with PSCs We do not create demand The private sector has been using our industry for 30 years Government has already crossed the line We are a tool to be used With rules We can advise on how best to get the best from our services and capabilities Today’s PSC industry is the home of second-to-none expertise Engagement and dialogue Partnership Clients need to better understand how to ask and how to manage

A second startling revelation Private security is a good thing (in the right hands)