The Private Security Guard: A Sociological Study
Critically examines the social meaning of the uniformed private security guard’s presence in urban space and broader social changes implied by its mundane relationship to the public.
What is the symbolic work and cultural authority of uniformed foot patrol? Field observation and depth interviews with the guards operating in Helsinki’s multi-nodal mix of metro-linked shopping malls provide the empirical material with which to explore the power reality represented by the uniformed guard in semi-public spaces. Secondary visual and verbal texts within popular culture are used to further consider the governing narratives and supporting discourses that help the guards and public make sense of their accepted presence and everyday work in contemporary urban society.
Following the international police studies literature, the project asks if the rapid development of private security in most European countries simply represents an extension of policing within late modernity or a more radical replacement of one policing system with another. Asking what power reality is symbolically represented, it considers the social meaning and implications of continued private sector growth into the public domain of the police.
Funded by the Academy of Finland’s Postdoctoral Research Project Grant (2008-2010).
Progress:
Apr to Oct 2010: Development of book chapter material through international project contributions (EU-SEC II) and gathering of ancillary data on common policing and security stanadards in Europe. Project poster display and research findings based paper given on development of private detention rooms to mixed public and private sector audience at Helsinki 2010 International Seminar on Urban Safety 21-22 October, organised by City of helsinki and Ministry of Justice in cooperation with the European Forum for Urban Security. Expert advice given to the Council of Europe’s OPCAT based NPM community regarding conditions in detention rooms on basis of project findings.
Jan to Mar 2010: Writing up. Project related papers and seminars given on representation in popular culture, historical growth, development of working practices and use of detention rooms. YLE X3M Radio interview given 23 March on project.
Sept to Dec 2009: Chapter drafting and related presentation at ‘Fictional Violence’ seminar and other related conference/seminar participation and presentations. Teaching contemporary social theory to international MA students. Report for EU-SEC II project. Submission of future project proposal.
June-August 2009: Societal activity and related research with UNICRI and EU police authorities via Austria on EU-SECII project (see front page link).
April 2009: Writing up and publication planning for 2010.
September 2008 – March 2009: Primary field work with guards in Helsinki completed. 52 professional guards from four major security companies in nine separate client nodalities interviewed and observed within a defined urban complexity of semi-private mass public space.
January 2009: Research site changed to University of Helsinki
January – December 2008: Preparatory phase, including background research with police departments and staff, implemented at The Police College of Finland.