Today, Explained

Mall cop nation

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.

24:53

Episode guests

Alana Semuels

AI Chapters

Episode notes

Intro

4min

The Rise of Private Security

6min

The Evolving Role of Private Security and Its Challenges

3min

Dark Realities of Working in Security

2min

Navigating Private Security Challenges

7min

The three biggest private employers in North America are Walmart, Amazon, and a security firm you’ve maybe never heard of: Allied Universal. Time’s Alana Semuels explains the rise of poorly trained and poorly paid private security guards across America.

This episode was produced by Miles Bryan, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Patrick Boyd and Michael Raphael, and hosted by Noel King.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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