(NAPSI)—Having your identity stolen is an eye-opening experience. Even more eye-opening is the response you may get when calling police to report the crime. That’s because it’s become more common today to receive a follow-up visit at your home, not from that police agency, but from a representative of a private security firm specializing in identity theft.

It’s a new landscape of blended roles, as law enforcement agencies increasingly team up with private security companies to form public-private partnerships to serve the public. These partnerships cover a range of specialties including cyber security, financial criminal investigation and private protection.

“Law enforcement and private security share a number of goals including crime prevention, the protection of people and property, and identification of criminals,” said Robert Gonzalez, program dean for University of Phoenix College of Security and Criminal Justice. “To better achieve these goals, law enforcement and private security have been teaming up in public-private partnerships that cover everything from local to national security.”

The growing use of these partnerships reflects some recognized advantages. It often makes more sense for law enforcement to leverage the expertise and resources of a private security firm. Specialized security investigation sections can team with law enforcement to better investigate and prosecute complex cases. And private firms aren’t restricted by a public budget and can invest in the latest technology. Additionally, law enforcement officers often moonlight with security companies, or transition into careers in private security, and have an understanding of the system and how they can work with law enforcement to better serve their community.

This leads to the greatest benefit of these growing partnerships: the expansion of a force focused on crime deterrence. Neighborhood associations and business groups are finding that cooperation between law enforcement and private security is leading to a higher degree of satisfaction in discouraging criminal activity. This allows law enforcement to expand initiatives like community-oriented policing. The winners are those who now live in safer neighborhoods.

“As public-private partnerships between law enforcement and private security continue to grow, it is important that both law officers and security professionals are receiving proper education to complement their training,” said Gonzalez. “University of Phoenix offers associate and bachelor’s degrees in security and criminal justice*, as well as professional development and certificate programs that can help public safety professionals enhance their careers.”

University of Phoenix™ College of Security and Criminal Justice recognizes the benefits of partnerships between law enforcement and private security. The University offers curriculum for those looking to get into the industry as well as for industry professionals looking to enhance their careers. Students have the opportunity to learn directly from faculty members who have extensive experience in their respective fields. This includes a number of faculty members who are current or former chiefs of police, sheriffs, judges, wardens and security executives. For more information, visit www.phoenix.edu.

*The University’s Criminal Justice programs are educational degree programs. For those interested in pursuing a career in law enforcement, corrections or as a peace officer with any particular local, state, federal or international agency, there are numerous additional qualifications (and often disqualifications) depending on the position. Before enrolling in a Criminal Justice program, potential students are highly encouraged to check with the relevant agency for a complete list of position requirements. The University makes no representations regarding whether any particular University program will qualify a graduate for any such position.

On the Net:North American Precis Syndicate, Inc.(NAPSI)