1. ^aVrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, Netherlands. E-mail: R.van.Steden@fsw.vu.nl
2. ^bUniversity of South Australia, School of Commerce, Adelaide, Australia
3. ^cLaw Department, Umeå Universitet, Umeå, Sweden

Abstract

This paper provides an update of the trend towards greater private provision of policing and security services in the European Union (EU). Although data must be treated with caution, recent figures indicate growth from around 600,000 security employees in 1999 to well over a million today. To predict future trends, researchers must undertake international comparisons of the reach of private security and make a start towards drawing a comprehensive picture of the means by which security industries are best monitored and regulated in national jurisdictions. The authors argue that, in addition, issues of equality, professionalism and accountability surrounding privatized policing must become a focus of research attention by practitioners and theorists alike.