Despite a significant decline in violent crime over recent decades, high-profile incidents in the U.S. have driven a surge in demand for private security services. This trend has resulted in the private security industry growing to over $50 billion in revenue by 2025, a 17% increase in the past ten years, fueled by firms like Allied Universal. Business owners, such as those in San Diego’s Hillcrest neighborhood, are investing heavily to maintain safety amid societal tensions, paying substantial annual sums for private security patrols and planning to expand these services.

Allied Universal stands as a dominant force in the personal protection market, operating in over 100 countries with annual revenues around $23 billion and employing approximately 800,000 people. The company provides a range of security solutions, from visible guards and canine units at major landmarks and events to covert operatives monitoring threats in urban centers like Manhattan. Allied’s services extend to more than 80% of Fortune 500 companies, demonstrating the widespread reliance on private security among top corporations.

The rising use of private security is driven by increasing corporate expenditures on executive protection, insurance requirements, and a perceived need to supplement traditional law enforcement. The number of Americans working as security guards reached nearly 1.3 million in 2025, almost twice the number of police officers. This workforce faces challenges such as high turnover, safety risks, and lower wages compared to public law enforcement, underscoring the complex labor dynamics behind this expanding industry.

Public perception of crime diverges sharply from reality, as actual violent crime rates continue to fall while many Americans feel increasingly unsafe. This sentiment has been heightened by notable violent events involving public and corporate figures, reinforcing demand for private security. Experts note that while homicide rates remain higher in the U.S. than similar nations—often attributed to lax gun control—Americans frequently turn to private security and firearm ownership to enhance their sense of safety, fueling the industry’s growth.