Private Security and the Law.

Private Security and the Law

Private Security and the Law is a refreshing break from the plethora of typical legal texts, journals, newsletters, and articles in today's security marketplace. The book's essential virtues are simplicity and pragmatism, which are counterbalanced by substantive scholarship in both civil and criminal law.

Unlike much legal writing, which is either too case specific or too encompassing and scholarly to be of use to security practitioners, this book is a viable office reference or legal guide. The book is logically formatted, comprehensive, and very understandable from a lay perspective. With the exception of the first chapter - a somewhat superfluous review of the historical foundations of modern security - the text is well presented. A detailed appendix with 16 exhibits and answers to case examples cited in the text makes for easy reader reference.

What I really appreciate about this book is the author's ability to present traditional legal topics in a novel manner. Indeed, to a security professional, Private Security and the Law could be considered enjoyable, effortless reading. For example, Nemeth's treatment of arrest and search-and-seizure law begins with a very lively presentation on "creative legal theories" for enhancing constitutional protections in the private sector. He masterfully explains and analyzes various tests and legal theories. His discussion of expansionist theory is replete with facts, issues, and relevant questions that form the basis of a challenging and stimulating intellectual exercise.

In terms of substance and timeliness, the chapter on security personnel's civil liability is extraordinary. Nemeth's superb illustrations of the nature of civil wrongs is a key to understanding. In addition, his focus on "common civil wrongs which regularly influence and affect security practice" is right on target for the everyday concerns of security managers. His analysis of negligence and its security applications is also well articulated.

A brief review of other major topics attests to the book's completeness as a credible legal reference. These topics include regulation, licensing, education, and training; criminal liability of security personnel; enforcement of laws and interpretation of evidence; public and private law enforcement; and selected case decisions.

I highly recommend Private Security and the Law as a legal guide and information resource for security practitioners. This book also merits serious attention in the academic community for use in both undergraduate and graduate security management curricula.