Exploring the possibility of deploying private security companies (PSCs) for land boundary protection in Hong Kong

Abstract

This research paper aims to explore the possibility of deploying Private Security Companies (PSCs) by the government of Hong Kong boundary protection. The paper proposes, discusses, and evaluates, the suitability of hiring PSC for boundary protection services in terms of bureaucracy, public acceptance, and financial costs. It finally analyses the interests of different stakeholders in the deployment of PSC for boundary protection, i.e., PSC, law enforcement, and the public. The research study addresses the five research questions by adopting qualitative approach, which was carried out by means of conducting face-to-face, semi-structured interviews. The interviewees for the study were carefully selected to represent the different perspectives of the population based on their varying interaction, experiences, and understanding with boundary authorities. This research has provided a rare attempt in discussing the relationship of PSCs to different other involved sectors in their operation and provided a case example for the other countries to compare with the uniquely different business model adopted by local PSCs from the perspectives of (1) cost-effectiveness; (2) service quality; (3) governance concerns; (4) public acceptance, and (5) perceived dangerousness with the focus in the China-Hong Kong boundary protection. Research findings reveal that there are valid reasons for deploying PSCs to the Hong Kong land boundary. Given with efficient legislative and legal structures, PSCs could solve the problem posed by the bureaucracy among Hong Kong police and customs officials and simultaneously cut down on costs of operations and expensive budgetary allocations for recruitment, training, benefits, and allowances for public troops. The study has also proposed possible ways to further improve the public confidence in the use of PSCs in any government contracts that aims not only to provide the cost-effectiveness as incentive, but also an extra pool of professionalism in public security.