In the past as in the present, manufacturing, industrial,
and government organizations have hired “watchmen” to
protect their facilities. These private security personnel
wearing uniforms and using equipment much like the
police do are hired to prevent crime and bodily harm,
and deter or prevent theft on the premises. The very early
guard companies were Pinkerton’s and Burns. Contract
protection organizations were hired to safeguard their
employees and assets in emergency and personal threat
situations.