From Night Watchmen to Modern Security: A 50-Year Evolution
When I entered the security industry on Dec. 15, 1976, the field was drastically different from what we know today. Back then, a security officer was often just a “night watchman” — a role that was simple and lacked professional recognition. Training opportunities were scarce. Newcomers were handed basic tools — a flashlight, a baton, or sometimes even a firearm — with no training on how to use them safely.
This was the environment I found myself in as an 18-year-old tasked with safeguarding a car lot in Maryland, and later, a federal facility in Washington, D.C. My experiences mirrored an industry that lacked clear standards, structure, and vision.
Over nearly 50 years in the security industry, I have seen the field evolve from a loosely structured job into a highly professional, technology-driven sector. The changes have been profound — shaped by advances in training, the rise of public-private partnerships, and defining moments like 9/11 that reshaped our approach to security.
As I reflect on this journey, I want to share the key milestones that have defined the industry’s evolution, the lessons learned along the way, and why training, professionalism, and collaboration remain at the heart of effective security today.
The 1970s: Reactive Security and the Role of the Watchman
Throughout the 1970s, security was a reactive endeavor. Officers were primarily assigned to “watch and report,” with their duties confined to responding after incidents had happened. Security staff were seen as low-cost deterrents — visible figures with minimal training who were disconnected from law enforcement and the communities they served.
The 1980s: The Birth of Standards and Professionalization
In the 1980s, the security industry began to change. Companies and organizations recognized the need for more reliable, accountable security practices. Organizations like ASIS International emerged, introducing standards for professionalism and ethics. Certifications such as the Certified Protection Professional (CPP) credential laid the groundwork for vital skills, ethics, and specialized knowledge.
Specialization became more common, expanding security roles into areas like loss prevention, investigations, and crisis management. Structured training initiatives gained importance, and the industry gradually transitioned from its image as a temporary solution toward professionalism.
The Late 1990s – Early 2000s: The Rise of Public-Private Partnerships
A major philosophical shift occurred in the late 1990s and early 2000s. The value of public-private partnerships gained traction as security specialists collaborated closely with law enforcement. Security was no longer about physical deterrence alone; it focused on intelligence, prevention, and cooperation.
The creation of NYPD Shield in the aftermath of 9/11 marked a critical turning point. This initiative was designed to combat terrorism through partnerships with private-sector organizations, offering intelligence sharing, threat briefings, and collaborative training. It quickly became a model for other regions, demonstrating that strong partnerships could bolster community safety and preparedness.
Post-9/11: A Defining Moment for the Industry
The terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, forever altered the security landscape. Security became integral to national and organizational safety strategies. Training programs expanded to include terrorism awareness, crisis management, and situational analysis. Collaboration between private security professionals, law enforcement, and intelligence agencies became essential.
NYPD Shield’s impact sparked the development of similar programs nationwide. Initially terrorism-focused, these partnerships grew to encompass broader crime prevention strategies, enhancing community resilience through proactive security measures.
Growth of the Global Shield Network: From Local to Global Collaboration
By 2015-2016, the success of NYPD Shield led to the creation of the Global Shield Network, involving more than 50 law enforcement agencies across the United States and additional international partners. This network has become a comprehensive crime-fighting tool, integrating intelligence sharing with community engagement.
While its roots lie in counterterrorism, the Global Shield Network has evolved into a platform for addressing a broad spectrum of threats. Its effectiveness stems from two-way communication between law enforcement and the private sector, fostering real-time information exchange that enhances both local crime prevention and global threat mitigation.
The Shield programs have transformed public-private partnerships into dynamic networks that prioritize communication, collaboration, and collective vigilance. This coordinated approach ensures rapid response capabilities and improved safety for communities worldwide.
The 2010s: Technology, Intelligence and Risk Management
The 2010s ushered in a new era driven by technology and intelligence-based security solutions. Tools such as real-time video surveillance, biometric access controls, and sophisticated threat-monitoring systems became foundational. Yet, technology alone could not replace human judgment. Security professionals required rigorous training to analyze risks and respond to evolving threats.
Public-private partnerships continued to expand, with initiatives like the Global Shield Network emphasizing collaboration. Intelligence sharing frameworks became vital in addressing 21st-century security challenges.
The Present: Training, Partnerships and Professionalism
In 2025, the security industry stands as a respected profession. Modern security programs integrate technology, data analysis, and collaboration. Officers receive extensive training in de-escalation, emergency response, and intelligence gathering. Partnerships between private organizations and law enforcement are central to effective safety strategies.
Training remains the foundation of success. It builds professionalism, readiness, and confidence, ensuring security personnel are equipped for complex challenges. Programs like the Global Shield Network highlight how communication and collaboration create a global safety net, responding to both international threats and community-level crime.
A Reflection on Change
Looking back over 48 years, the security industry’s evolution has been profound. What began as a reactive, fragmented field has become a proactive, sophisticated profession focused on training, intelligence, and partnership.
My journey — from an untrained watchman to a leader in the industry — mirrors this transformation. Early gaps in preparation underscored the importance of clear processes, responsibility, and continuous improvement. These principles now define our profession.
While the topic of AI and further technological advancement remains front of mind in the industry, security remains a fundamentally people-centered business and will likely stay that way for years to come.
Throughout the technology evolution of the previous decades, from the widespread introduction of computer systems, electronic access control and video surveillance, to recent developments in internet connectivity, robotics and AI-enhanced monitoring and threat detection, the best approaches have always combined human expertise, instincts and communication with the latest technology.
In practice, this can look like using technology to augment security professionals’ training, development and collaboration. It’s also about putting the right tools in security professionals’ hands to assist with their duties, whether they are mitigating threats, investigating situations or responding to incidents. In other words, ‘man and machine’ working together creating multiplier effects for better outcomes.
As threats evolve, and the technology landscape changes, one truth endures: training, professionalism, and collaboration remain the cornerstones of effective security. These values have shaped the industry’s history and will continue to guide its future.
