In Oakland, CA, private security firms are taking over neighborhood patrols as city services are reduced and crime increases. Tax revenues can’t keep up with ballooning pension, wage, and healthcare costs so government services get reduced. This is especially acute in high-tax states like California, but municipalities across the US are feeling the combined affects of lavish benefits coupled with falling revenues. According to the executive director of the National Association of Security Contractors:
Municipal governments and cities are really getting strapped in terms of their resources, and when a police department cuts 100 officers obviously they are going to respond to less crimes.
The bad news is in many cash-strapped cities, there will be fewer law enforcement resources which could result in increased crime rates. There will be fewer patrols to deter crime, fewer officers to respond to crime (thereby increasing response times), and fewer staff to investigate crimes. District Attorneys, Prosecutors, and other Judicial staff are also going to look for ways to reduce their caseload by having fewer trials. Prisons won’t have room to house more inmates too. All this paints a bleak picture for the immediate future.
The good news is that some communities are stepping up to fill in the gaps through private policing and other services when governments reduces their commitments. This is likely to continue but not be widespread, after all hiring private security contractors costs money that not all communities have right now. It also shows that where there is a market, somebody will step up to serve it. In other words, there is opportunity even in difficult times.
Rather than relying upon (morally and fiscally) bankrupt governments or moving to exclusive, wealthy neighborhoods, you can take steps now to protect yourself. As I wrote in a recent post, there are some steps you can take today that will both deter crime and lessen your dependence on local law enforcement. Consider the following:
- Get firearms, ammunition, and training
- Reinforce your external doors with multiple high-quality locks and jamb reinforcement
- Get an alarm system installed and post signs/stickers indicating that you have done so
- Install both internal and external lights
- Secure your windows with locks
- Install heavy drapes and keep them closed when you aren’t home
- Get to know your neighbors!
Relying upon over-worked and under-funded law enforcement to protect your and your home is foolish. The only person you can rely upon to secure your property is…you. That’s good news because there is a lot you can do that will enhance the safety of your home and deter crime. Get started now because every step you take is an additional layer of protection that keeps the bad guys away.