Many police departments are reducing the size of their force, reducing overtime for current officers, and some are even freezing future promotions and laying off officers – all in attempt to save costs in a stagnant economy. Meanwhile, many private security companies are experiencing massive growth. For example, ten years ago Gavin de Becker & Associates was based in just two cities, Los Angeles and Seattle. Now, a decade later, they are an international firm with fifteen regional offices, to include LA, San Francisco, New York, and London -- and they are continuing to grow! Compare that to your local police department.