What is the main distinction between proprietary security and contract security?

The main distinction between proprietary security and contract security lies in the management and staffing structure of the security services. Proprietary security refers to security personnel who are employed directly by an organization to provide security services exclusively for that organization. This means that the security team is integrated within the organization, aligning closely with its culture, policies, and procedures. They are often trained specifically to meet the unique needs of the organization they serve.

In contrast, contract security involves hiring an external security company to provide security services. This means that the personnel are not direct employees of the organization but are instead agents of the security firm that has been contracted for the service. While contract security can offer a range of personnel with varying skill levels, it may not have the same level of intimacy or alignment with the organization’s specific requirements compared to proprietary security.

Understanding this distinction is critical for making informed decisions about security strategies and personnel management in different organizational contexts.