Private Policing

Professor Mark Button is now one of the world's leading authorities - reflecting a career of interest - in private and non state policing. This book provides a scholarly commentary on the major issues impacting on modern day policing, drawing on his considerable insight and ability to critique theory and strategy. This book provides the how and why the public needs to recognise the role of different groups in protecting them. This is a must read book for all those with an interest in this area.

Martin Gill, Professor of Criminology and Director of Perpetuity Research & Consultancy International (PRCI) Ltd

It is now a truism of policing studies that private security has eclipsed conventional public-sector police services in scope and influence. For example, much of the long-term reduction in crime rates internationally has been attributed to the work of the expanding industry, and security processes are now deeply embedded in all aspects of everyday life. It is also a truism that the field is under-researched and that government policy in the area has generally not been well-informed by the available science. From this perspective, this new edition is a very timely and welcome addition to the literature on private policing. As always, Mark Button delivers an unbiased factually-based account of his subject matter, with a keen eye for the practical implications for improved democratic management.

Tim Prenzler, Professor of Criminology, School of Law, University of the Sunshine Coast, Australia

Mark Button brings a remarkable amount of experience and insights to the forefront on issues relating to private policing which challenges the traditionally perceived notions of order maintenance and crime control by agents of the state. His approach to handling critical issues surrounding the less researched areas of private police and policing is expansive and comprehensive. This second edition integrates the transformations that have occurred in the past decade in this area by incorporating issues on crime and risk governance by private police in the cyber age. This volume is well structured with current issues in private policing and Mark Button handles these issues with scientific rigor targeting both scholars and the academic community in general.

Mahesh Nalla, Ph.D., Professor, School of Criminal Justice Michigan State University

In this new edition, Professor Button builds on the growing literature that highlights the substantial contribution that private operatives make to the policing task world-wide. It should be compulsory reading for all modern policing scholars.

Rick Sarre, Professor, School of Law, University of South Australia