Over the last few years, a different trend has emerged and spread across southern England. Residents, particularly those in wealthy neighborhoods, are increasingly hiring private security companies to shield themselves from crime. Jamie Strickland Blueline Security, founded in 2019 by former soldier Jamie Strickland, exclusively hires former police and army officers. They patrol disenfranchised communities and provide anxious residents with the false hope of security.
Blueline Security only works in rich, white neighborhoods. Clients purchase an Anprico price of £1,500 per annum, for the peace of mind that comes from knowing trained professionals are constantly patrolling with their communities. Their dream team of property protectors—like our new pal Robert—are trained to stop break-ins and auto theft in their tracks. This unique service addresses the long-standing limitations of traditional law enforcement in rural communities. These communities tend to experience the longest delays in response time due to their isolation.
Blueline’s security guards are hard to miss, with their bullet-proof vests and visible handcuffs as they patrol the streets. They pilot highly specialized vehicles outfitted with walkie-talkies, first-aid kits, and K-9s like Bella, a Belgian Malinois trained to sniff out invasive pests. This pairing of skills and resources makes their work more impactful, all while offering peace of mind to constituents.
“Being visible in the community, treating members of the public equally, regardless of wealth or social standing – and perhaps more important than all: policing with trust,” is a sentiment echoed by many who support this type of private policing.
Customers like Laura and Andy from their rural Hertfordshire home have recently used Blueline Security to bolster their homes against potential crime. Laura appreciates the guards’ approachability. If she ever does feel threatened or unsafe, she knows she can call them at a moment’s notice.
Andy also shares his experience: “It’s £1,500 a year, I’m lucky I can find that. You watch the CCTV [of burglaries], you feel worried for your family.” These kinds of sentiments exemplify just how tired the residents are of feeling unsafe and unprotected in their communities.
Jamie Strickland argues that even with a well-resourced police force, reaching remote areas takes time, which is often too late for those facing immediate threats. “There was initial reticence from the police,” he notes, acknowledging that law enforcement agencies are starting to recognize the benefits of collaborating with private firms like Blueline Security.
As this community increasingly relies on this new, privatized flavor of policing, there are significant equity and justice concerns to be considered. Parm Sandhu underscores the injustice in allowing a private tier of security for those who can pay, and leaving the rest vulnerable. “If you’re living on a council estate, you cannot afford to pay for policing,” he states. He further adds, “Does that mean you deserve to be burgled, sexually assaulted, or mugged? No you don’t,” pointing out an inherent unfairness in the system.
With the increased privatization of security comes a fear over the very nature of what policing should be. Martin Gill observes that “the majority of policing is undertaken by private police forces,” suggesting that reliance on private firms may be increasing as public resources dwindle. David Spencer warns, “If it doesn’t, then I think it’s inevitable we will see more people… turning to private providers.”
As the role of law enforcement changes, some policy experts say, a growing relationship between police and private security firms raises troubling questions about the two working together. TDF Board Member David McKelvey adds, “Currently, there is a reluctance right now in law enforcement to exchanging intelligence and information. Frequently that information is incredibly critical for us to be able to do our work.” This dangerous gap not only threatens public police efforts but imposes risks on private security operations.
Yet, in the face of these challenges, the privatization movement shows no signs of abating. They offer a targeted, smart response to a fear for public safety that countless residents across the country say is not being sufficiently addressed by outdated law enforcement. Communities are grappling with increasing violent crime and officer response times that are lagging dangerously behind. Consequently, the demand for privatized policing solutions will—and should—continue to increase.