Define various categories of security services. Give out the merits and demerits of proprietary services.

The requirement of security services in all the industries is vital and its importance cannot be over emphasized. Irrespective of size and type of product, each industry requires adequate security setup to safeguard their personnel and property. Basically there are two categories of security services normally used in industries these are:

  ·   Proprietary services:

Large business houses in public and private sector preferably have their own security setup. Complete staff is on their permanent pay roll and all their actions are governed by the management. Their recruitment is governed by the management. Their recruitment, training and all other activities are directed by their own security officer as per company guidelines issued from time to time.

·   Contracted or hired services:

Medium and small size industrial houses generally prefer to either use the services of an agent or hire out the security as per their requirement. These private security agencies are doing a good business all over the world and especially in developing countries. There are no proper training in fracture and also do not follow legal norms in laying down proper services terms and conditions. They do not paid actual salary as laid by state government.

Advantage of proprietary services:

o   Complete security staff has full knowledge of company’s strategies, plans and final objectives, thereby better cohesiveness.

o   Preferences can be given to will trained and qualified ex-defence, parliamentary and police officers and other ranks.

o   Adequate command and control can be exercised by company’s officers / executives.

o   After recruitment their training can be suitably planned and undertaken within the overall company’s training schedule.

o   Due to permanent employment their motivation, moral and dedication to company’s growth will always be high and rewarded worthy.

o   A feeling of comradeship and better senses of belonging among all staff.

Disadvantage of proprietary services:

o     Management will be bound by legal terms and industrial laws being permanent employees.

o      All welfare measures like housing, medical and other allowances etc. will have to be provides.

o      More administrative backup needed for keeping records of Provident Fund, gratuity pension etc as per rules.

o      It is not cost effective and leads to greater financial burden in the long run.

  o  Trade union contracts and its impacts on functioning cannot be ruled out.