Security officers and the policing of private space in South Korea: profile, powers and occupational hazards

Abstract

Abstract This paper provides empirical data on security officers in South Korea. It begins by examining broader international research on security officers identifying key traits, before assessing the findings from this research, which are based upon interviews with 60 security officers drawn from three distinct sites where they are commonly used in South Korea. These include an apartment complex, factory and retail outlet. The findings suggest several parallels with other empirical research on security officers in the United Kingdom and USA, including low commitment to job, long working hours, feelings of alienation and experience of abuse and violence. The research also shows a distinct older profile of security officers at two of the assignments and most significantly, very low levels of confidence in their knowledge of their legal tools as well as rare use of them. Keywords: South Koreasecurity officerpolicinglegal powers Acknowledgement The authors would also like to thank Julak Lee for his help in conducting some of the research for this paper. Notes 1. In July 2007, a minimum level of pay was introduced in South Korea which has increased pay on average by 16%. There is anecdotal evidence emerging that as a consequence security officers are been replaced by technology and reduced in number as well as the hours they work. Many of the older guards have been the first to be replaced and in one high profile case an older sacked security guard burnt himself to death in protest at his sacking.