Monday, September 12, 2005

Cop Watch - The threat of privatised state power

Cop Watch will stay silent on proposed anti-terrorist laws and the arrest of peace activist Scott Parkin as so many others are writing about it, but a moment needs to be spent on private security guards - the private army of the state.

Private security ranges from large international invasions, such as in Iraq, to the plastic coppers who harass young people in shopping malls.

In South Australia, private security guards outnumber South Australian police officers by 2 to 1, according to The Advertiser of Sep 11. 3,907 police officers are outnumbered by 7420 security guards.

Across Australia, there are over 150,000 private security personnel, are formidable army of private company thugs who can be called on to do the state's bidding when necessary.

Many are allowed to use lethal force in their duties, carrying firearms as part of their duties.

One story of private security abusing their powers was reported on the May 29 news.com.au.

Marietta and Les Schodel gave a birthday party for their son, Ben, when he turned 21, by hiring a private nightclub. The private security mandhandled their guests and gave the father and son a good bashing.

Although it is more than 5 years later, they have still not recovered from the bashings, although they have received about $4000 in injury compensation. They are suing for more compensation.

Now they are taking steps to sue one of the thugs who was charged over the assaults. Mrs Schodel said she and her husband paid about $1500 to hire the upstairs nightclub for the party for about 100 guests.

In the words of Mrs Schodel " We noticed a security guard being quite rough with one of our female guests. He grabbed her so hard her necklace broke and he was pulling her hair very hard."

The father, then 50, was punched and kicked down about 20 stairs. The hands of the son were put behind his back and he was punched in the face, thrown down the stairs and kicked in the head and back. He received a broken eye socket among his injuries.

Personnel in private security firms are even more unaccountable than uniformed police. Many private security guards are former police officers.

For more reading on how the private sector intervenes under government contracts in Iraq and elsewhere, check out one of the largest companies who do such work at

Blackwater USA

For general background on police and accountability, see Police, civilians and democratic accountability by Colleen Lewis of the Criminal Justice and Criminology, Monash University, at

Police, civilians and democratic accountability


Anti-War Extremists Loyal to Scott

What can I say to someone like Scott Parkin? Sorry mate, to get a PEACE prize in this country you need to be drop dead sexy, go-tees are out - you gotta go. Peace Prize.

By Cop Watch 12 September 05

Ed: Cop watcher said many police are private security guards and that is true.

Your thoughts are also correct ex boxers and outlaw bikies make up the mix!

Private Security guards are specifically control freaks who have more power over others and some need to catch and kill for a daily adrenaline rush or too much testosterone.

Not all of them of course just a mixture in between. They also have a good relationship with police attending so nine times out of ten the guests are wrong and have to prove their innocence and the guards get away with assault.

Be alert that you're behind the eight-ball when you cross-paths with private security guards.


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Federal Police

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