domestic securityIt is time to face the facts. The United States of America is facing one of the worst safety and security threats it has ever seen – domestic terrorism. From radical extremists groups to lone wolf ISIS sympathizers, the United States, along with the rest of the world, needs better security measures in place. Private security officers serve as extra eyes, ears, and firearms here at home to help deter and mitigate violent acts of domestic terrorism.

Domestic Terrorism

Defined

Domestic terrorism is defined by the United States Criminal Code in Title 18, Part I, Chapter 113B, Section 2331 as follows:

(A) Involve acts dangerous to human life that are a violation of the criminal laws of the United States or of any State;

(B) Appear to be intended—

  • (i) to intimidate or coerce a civilian population;
  • (ii) to influence the policy of a government by intimidation or coercion; or
  • (iii) to affect the conduct of a government by mass destruction, assassination, or kidnapping; and

(C) Occur primarily within the territorial jurisdiction of the United States.

Lone Wolves

These are the domestic terrorists we need to be very careful of. Those who are willing to act alone on their own free will are the least detectable suspects. These lone wolves need to be deterred from soft targets. Soft targets are easy targets, and the most likely to be victimized by domestic terrorists. Private security is more important than ever right now in terms of deterring and mitigating lone wolves from attacking soft targets.

Extremist Sympathizers

ISIS has unfortunately become the ringleader in terms of influencing others to become radicalized violent extremists all over the world. We have seen these attacks everywhere, from the United States to Europe, all the way back to the Middle East. The ideology ISIS is spreading is dangerous and violent – it must be stopped. However, in private security, we must do our job and protect people from these instances. There needs to be more armed and trained private security everywhere.

Private Security Companies Can Make a Difference

With respect to intelligence gathering, that is primarily the job of local, state, and federal law enforcement and intelligence agencies. However, private security officers provide more bodies present to deter and mitigate domestic terrorism at soft target locations.

These soft targets are usually private businesses that lack armed security personnel. Our movie theaters, shopping centers, hospitals, night clubs, and hotels are left widely unprotected. With greater private security presence in these locations, public safety improves. If we are failing to stop the domestic terrorism in the planning stages, then we must focus on deterrence and mitigation with presence.

Final Thoughts

The government representatives of the United States need to admire the capabilities of private security presence on properties of private businesses. Through presence, deterrence increases and mitigation improves. Problem is, not every company has the funds to hire enough private security to work around the clock.

The federal government needs to initiate some sort of tax credit which will reward companies for investing in private security for their businesses. This will directly lead to an increase in private security officer jobs across the country, while increasing our overall public safety. It is time to take more steps to stopping domestic terrorism.

Always be aware. Always be safe.