Private Security and Corporate Security during COVID-19 in Slovenia

Abstract

The article presents the organization and implementation of the security function in companies during the strictest measures to contain COVID-19 in Slovenia in 2020. An important role was played by private security companies. Namely, private security officers were often the first to ensure and supervise preventive measures in facilities which, despite the closure of most activities in the state, remained open, as they were necessary for the survival of the population, the economy, and the functioning of the state. In relation to private security and due to the response to the epidemics, reorganization of corporate security was necessary, especially in critical infrastructure companies. In this paper, we analyze the changed role of private security companies and corporate security in limiting the epidemics. For this purpose, a pilot study on opinions and positions on security during COVID-19 was conducted among relevant security managers of some of the largest private security companies and the heads of corporate security in some large business systems. The study investigated the readiness to act in crisis conditions, the acquisition and use of protective equipment among security guards, the (illegal) practices in the implementation of security, the implementation of measures without adequate information in the protected area, the necessary systemic changes to operate in similar crisis situations in the future, etc. Results show that companies had initial difficulties procuring protective equipment for employees, where companies could only rely on themselves and their ingenuity. Contrary to expectations, the adaptation of the organization and work in companies to the conditions dictated by COVID-19 did not pose a significant problem. Nevertheless, some participants in the study highlighted the need for adequate training of private security personnel to operate in such crisis situations. These are preliminary findings of the research on the contribution of private security and corporate security during COVID-19. For in-depth analysis, preliminary findings will need to be upgraded with additional data and findings after the end of the epidemic.