Professionalization of Private Security in Slovenia
Purpose:
The purpose of the paper was to analyse the development of private security, to present how individual characteristics of occupations/professions are developed and to provide solutions for the continuation of the process of professionalization of private security and detective activity in Slovenia.
Design/Methods/Approach:
We reviewed the scientific and professional works, legislative and executive acts, records, lists and websites of public authorities, chambers, educational institutions, professional associations and others. The article is conceptualized around the key characteristics of the process of professionalization such as legal protection of occupation/profession, education and training, professional ethics, the existence of professional journals, professional associations and public relations.
Findings:
Private security and private detective activities have been developing in Slovenia for some thirty years. During this period, various occupations developed, professional standards were defined, and education and training institutions were established. Occupations in the field of private security are better legally protected than detective profession. Among other characteristics of the process of professionalization, the professional ethics and professional associations are highly expressed, which is not surprising, because they are even prescribed by law. It is worse in the field of professional journals and public relations, because private security is still poorly recognized in society. For the successful further development and professionalization of private security, the field of education and training will have to be finally regulated, the unfair competition will have to be prevented, while private security personnel will have to be provided with better salaries.
Originality/Value:
This is the first comprehensive study and assessment of the process of professionalization of private security in Slovenia in the last twenty years.
UDC: 351.746.2:331.542(497.4)
Keywords: private security, private detective activity, professionalization, occupation, profession, education and training, Slovenia