Today, Explained

Mall cop nation

5 snips
Jun 28, 2023
Alana Semuels, an investigative reporter for Time magazine, sheds light on the booming private security industry in America. She discusses the alarming rise of poorly trained guards and the implications of communities opting for private security over police. Semuels highlights the dark realities faced by security employees, including poor wages and perilous working conditions. The conversation also touches on the paradox of increasing demand for private security amidst concerns about accountability and public safety.
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INSIGHT

Allied Universal's Size

  • Allied Universal is the third largest private employer in North America, surpassing expectations.
  • This reveals a growing reliance on private security, often unnoticed.
INSIGHT

Private Security Boom

  • The private security industry is booming, with more security guards per capita than police officers in the US.
  • This growth is fueled by police staffing shortages and perceived safety concerns.
ANECDOTE

Training Discrepancy

  • Private security training is often minimal, resembling a DMV test, unlike rigorous police academy training.
  • Even armed guards require less training, raising concerns about preparedness.
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