The global non-public security service market size was valued at USD 200.8 million in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 272.4 million by 2032, registering a CAGR of 4% during the forecast period (2024-2032). The increase in non-public security service market share during the forecast period is related to the need for private security services, which has increased due to growing threats to international security, including terrorism and rising crime rates.
The non-public security service market encompasses companies that provide various security services not typically managed by public law enforcement. These services include, among others, private investigation, armored transport, alarm monitoring, and guard services. Trespassing, burglary, theft, and personal protection are among the needs the industry serves for clients in the commercial, industrial, governmental, and residential domains. A variety of security measures private organizations offer are included in non-public security services. These services are designed to satisfy the security requirements of several industries, including government, business, residential, and industrial. Among other things, the services usually involve cybersecurity, personal safety, alarm systems, and monitoring. The need for increased security to support local law enforcement initiatives—with an emphasis on preventing theft and vandalism and guaranteeing personal safety—fuels the demand for these services.
Increased security threats, regulatory compliance requirements, and technological improvements impact the market for these services. Businesses in this industry frequently offer specialized solutions that cater to the unique security needs of their customers, guaranteeing a high degree of security and comfort.
Highlights
The guard services segment accounts for over 90% of the private security services industry and employs millions globally. In 2023, around 40% of non-public security service providers offered cybersecurity services alongside physical security. Sustained perception of security threats and increased labor wages are expected to bolster market growth during the forecast period. Workforce procurement and retention are expected to increase with the rise in alternate employment opportunities. Government policies, budget allocation for the installation of critical communication networks, biometric security and authentication systems, surveillance systems, scanning and screening systems, and regulatory norms for the safety of security providers during the pandemic are anticipated to drive market growth in the coming years.
The need for private security services to safeguard people, businesses, and property is being driven by an increase in crime rates, which include violent crimes, theft, and vandalism. Additionally, due to the increased risk of terrorism, both individuals and organizations are investing in security measures to reduce hazards., As of 2023, there were an estimated 180,000 private security companies operating globally. Projections suggest this could increase to 185,000-190,000 by 2024. As people and organizations depend increasingly on technology, they are at greater risk from cyberattacks. Private security firms can offer knowledge on data security and cybersecurity evaluations.
Individuals and companies may find hiring skilled security guards, deploying cutting-edge security equipment, and upholding stringent security procedures costly. This could be a constraint for businesses concerned about their budget. There is a considerable emphasis on cost control, particularly in the manned guarding segment, which accounts for the vast majority of the security services market and typically operates on a labor cost plus markup basis.
Additionally, the industry has issues due to high attrition rates and skilled workforce shortages, which can range from 25 to 30%. Maintaining a skilled workforce and completing employee background checks are critical for security service companies. Non-public security service providers require a solid local/regional presence and influence to cooperate with authorities and manage industry partnerships, particularly in industries such as manufacturing and retail. Many clients want a local workforce that is fluent in regional languages.
Non-public security service companies provide allied services, such as installing, operating, and maintaining electronic security products, such as CCTVs. Currently, the revenues from this segment for large security service companies are generally insignificant. However, they are expected to grow substantially as companies decide to cut operational costs and invest more in technology. Despite the challenges, the security services industry is expected to retain its growth momentum in the forthcoming years.
Furthermore, leading companies expect solid organic growth in guard and cash services. They are increasing their capabilities in auxiliary services, such as facility management, and value-added services, such as consultancy and training. The industry is also observing an increase in the number of acquisitions and growth in the inflow of private equity funds, which underscore its growth potential for the coming years.
| Study Period | 2020-2032 | CAGR | 4% |
| Historical Period | 2020-2022 | Forecast Period | 2024-2032 |
| Base Year | 2023 | Base Year Market Size | USD 200.8 million |
| Forecast Year | 2032 | Forecast Year Market Size | USD 272.4 million |
| Largest Market | North America | Fastest Growing Market | Europe |
The global non-public security service market analysis is conducted in North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, the Middle East and Africa, and Latin America.
North America is the most significant market shareholder and is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 4.3% over the forecast period. North America, notably the United States, has established itself as the global leader in the Non-Public Security Service sector. According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, around 1.2 million people were working in the private security business in 2023, with forecasts indicating that this figure might rise to 1.25 million by 2024. According to the Security Industry Association, over 40% of US businesses outsourced their security services to private organizations in 2023, which is predicted to rise to 42-43% by 2024. In Canada, Statistics Canada recorded 140,000 licensed security guards in 2023, with forecasts indicating the number might increase to 145,000 by 2024.
Furthermore, the region's supremacy is further demonstrated by technological adoption, with 70% of North American security corporations deploying AI-powered surveillance systems in 2023, which is expected to rise to 75% by 2024. According to the US Department of Homeland Security, private security services accounted for 65% of critical infrastructure protection in 2023, which is predicted to climb to 67-68% by 2024. Furthermore, the region led in cybersecurity integration, with 55% of non-public security companies providing cybersecurity services in addition to physical security in 2023, and this figure is expected to rise to 60% in 2024.
Europe is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 4.8% over the forecast period.Europe is the sub-dominant region in the global Non-Public Security Service market, with the UK, Germany, and France leading the way. Eurostat reported that roughly 2.2 million people worked in private security across the EU in 2023, with forecasts indicating that this figure might rise to 2.3 million by 2024. According to the Confederation of European Security Services, approximately 45,000 private security businesses will operate in Europe in 2023, which is predicted to increase to 46,000-47,000 by 2024.
Additionally, the Security Industry Authority reported 375,000 licensed security operatives in the United Kingdom in 2023, predicting that this figure might rise to 380,000 in 2024. European countries have been at the forefront of legislation, with 90% of EU member states requiring mandatory training for private security staff in 2023, rising to 95% by 2024. Technological adoption has been rapid, with 60% of leading European security organizations deploying AI-powered surveillance systems in 2023 and expected to reach 65% by 2024. According to the European Commission, 50% of EU enterprises employed private security services in 2023, with a projected increase to 52-53% by 2024, highlighting the region's growing reliance on non-public security services.
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The global non-public security service market is segmented based on Service type, application, by application.
The non-public security service market is further segmented by service type into guard services, alarm monitoring, armored transport, and private investigation.
Guard services dominate the non-public security service industry, which includes on-site security workers who protect people, property, and assets. Uniformed guards are stationed in various sites, including residential complexes, corporate offices, and retail establishments. Guard services are essential in deterring criminal activity, monitoring premises for suspicious conduct, and responding to crises. Guard services' dominance is driven by the ongoing demand for physical security solutions in various sectors, including commercial, industrial, and residential, where human presence is required to maintain a secure environment and provide clients with peace of mind.
Alarm monitoring is a subdominant section of the Non-Public Security Service market, encompassing the surveillance and reaction to security alarms generated on client premises. This service includes monitoring systems for burglar alarms, fire alarms, and environmental sensors, with qualified specialists supervising alerts and dispatching relevant responses (such as emergency services or security personnel). Alarm monitoring's subdominant status arises from its reliance on security system deployment and monitoring technology integration.
Despite its importance in providing rapid incident response, the subdominant position indicates its auxiliary role compared to guard services' pervasive presence and proactive engagement in physical security provision. As technology improvements in alarm systems continue, alarm monitoring is projected to play an increasingly important role in improving overall security effectiveness and operational efficiency in the business.
The market is further segmented by Application type into commercial and industrial, government and institutional, and residential.
Commercial and Industrial are the leading application types in the Non-Public Security Service market. This group comprises enterprises, factories, warehouses, and other commercial facilities that require complete security solutions to protect assets, people, and operations. Non-public security services in this sector frequently include guard services, alarm monitoring, access control, and surveillance technologies designed to mitigate dangers unique to industrial and commercial settings.
Additionally, commercial and industrial applications hold a prominent position due to the vital requirement for solid security measures to defend against theft, damage, illegal access, and operational disturbances. These industries prioritize security investments to ensure operational continuity and regulatory compliance. This results in a demand for bespoke security systems that combine physical guarding with modern technological surveillance and monitoring capabilities.
The Government and Institutional segment is a subdominant category in the Non-Public Security Services industry. This group includes government buildings, educational institutions, healthcare facilities, and other public-sector entities that need security services. Access control, visitor management, emergency response planning, and public safety measures are all standard security requirements in these situations. While crucial for maintaining public trust and guaranteeing safety, the subdominant status of Government and Institutional applications reflects budgetary restrictions and legal difficulties that influence security service procurement and delivery.
However, this segment increasingly prioritizes security advancements, particularly in response to growing threats and incidents, creating demand for specialized security solutions suited to the specific needs and difficulties of public sector environments. As security threats increase, non-public security services in government and institutional contexts are projected to play an increasingly important role, stressing proactive security measures and integrated risk mitigation solutions.
Guard services are being reduced in various areas and industry verticals globally due to nationwide lockdown and government measures to promote social distancing. In other places, however, security services are being viewed as more vital than before. Still, the COVID-19 crisis is impacting the non-public security services industry in ways that could not have been foreseen.
The impact of COVID-19 on the non-public security service market varies from sector to sector. Certain sectors are beginning to slow down and reduce their hours while others are drastically picking up. Hotels have reduced staff temporarily, from about 120 to 10 as occupancy approaches 0%. Retail stores, malls, and commercial buildings now only need a couple of security officers.
Securitas has put into place a Business Continuity Planning system to ensure client service and officer support remains uninterrupted, with work-from-home and remote workplace options for core operational teams to ensure that they meet social distancing guidelines, along with employee separation plans for co-located management and support departments. Securitas is working closely with key suppliers of technology, uniforms, and operational supplies to ensure supply chain continuity so that officers remain safe and properly supported.
