15558. The Private Security Industry. This paper provides a brief history of the industry, up through the period of booming growth in the late 20th Century and the continuing growth in the aftermath of the 9-11 terrorist attacks. In addition, the controversies over the use of "rent-a-cops" are discussed, and it is concluded that private security fulfills a need that is not met by public police. 7 pages, 25 footnotes, 7 bibliographic sources.