When Security Needs Shift: The Distinctions Empowered by Active Law Enforcement

In today’s evolving threat environment, professional security officers assist with the provision of essential security services across many settings, but certain high-consequence situations require additional authority, specialized training, and coordinated response. Active Law Enforcement (ALE) services fill this critical role, bringing capabilities that complement existing security resources when elevated risks emerge.
 

Below are five core distinctions of this unique solution — and examples of how these unique capabilities may benefit your organization.
 

1.    Current Training, Sustainment, and Arrest Authority
Active Law Enforcement officers are currently commissioned, full-time law enforcement professionals. Unlike retired officers or part-time reserves, ALE officers maintain full legal authority while deployed, including powers of arrest and legal intervention.
Their ongoing academy-level training and real-world experience in de-escalation, crisis response, and tactical decision-making help prepare them to address volatile situations with precision and control. This sustained engagement supports a level of readiness that exceeds private sector training requirements.
For example, in instances of civil disturbances, strike activity, or high-risk employee terminations, ALE officers bring both the authority and expertise to help protect personnel and mitigate the potential for escalation.
 

2.    Real-Time Law Enforcement Communication
ALE officers maintain active communication links with municipal law enforcement, in some cases including department-issued radios or secured channels, allowing direct coordination with on-duty personnel. This real-time access helps enable timely interventions and facilitates reinforcement when needed.
Their familiarity with local jurisdictions and situational awareness, informed by ongoing police service, help support their ability to navigate public safety concerns effectively. Intelligence updates on emerging threats further informs their readiness.
During recent protest activity in Los Angeles, for instance, organizations relied on ALE officers who maintained real-time contact with law enforcement partners while navigating shifting crowd dynamics.
 

3.    Use-of-Force Authority
In certain situations, risks escalate to levels where sworn law enforcement authority becomes necessary. ALE officers are authorized and trained to operate across the full use-of-force continuum, including the lawful use of firearms when warranted to help protect life.
Throughout the country, rising incidents of organized retail crime have led to violent confrontations between theft groups and personnel. In such volatile situations, sworn officers with full authority and tactical training may provide the appropriate response to help restore control and safety.

4.    Visible Deterrence and Perceived Authority
The immediate recognition of sworn law enforcement presence provides both practical and psychological deterrence. The presence of ALE officers may discourage opportunistic crime, disruptive behavior, and potential conflict before incidents escalate.
At large commercial properties and retail centers, visible law enforcement presence can help address challenges such as loitering, aggressive solicitation, or crowd congregation, contributing to a safer environment for customers and employees.

5.    Rapid Response and Scalability
Security threats often emerge unexpectedly. ALE programs allow organizations to deploy sworn personnel quickly through established department relationships and officer networks, helping to scale response to natural disasters, civil unrest, or developing threats.
Following hurricanes, wildfires, or other large-scale emergencies, businesses may face widespread disruption, looting risks, and extended recovery periods. The ability to mobilize sworn officers rapidly helps support the safety of personnel, continuity of operations, brand protection, and stabilization of environments during recovery.
 

Layers of Security Working in Tandem
Active Law Enforcement services help address situations that cross traditional security thresholds. Often working alongside security officers and corporate teams, ALE officers bring elevated authority and expertise to support organizations in managing complex threats. Recognizing these distinctions helps organizations to apply appropriate resources, help safeguard personnel, and maintain operations with greater confidence.
Complex threats often require layered expertise across disciplines to help create a more comprehensive security posture. Organizations benefit by partnering with experienced security providers that offer established infrastructure, broad subject matter expertise, and access to services. Partnering with active law enforcement providers that also deliver integrated services such as intelligence analysis, social media monitoring, investigations, canine teams, and crisis consulting helps organizations scale security as situations evolve while supporting coordinated alignment. The ability to deliver seamless integrated solutions without reliance on multiple vendors provides important operational consistency and confidence.

Learn More about Allied Universal’s Active Law Enforcement Services

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About Marcus Perdue
Marcus Perdue serves as Senior Vice President for Enhanced Protection Services, with leadership responsibility for Disaster and Emergency Response, Active Law Enforcement, and Executive Protection programs. With nearly three decades of experience, Perdue has held senior leadership positions overseeing large-scale private security operations across multiple regions, including North Texas, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. His expertise spans customer service, sales, finance, human resources, and complex multi-state deployments. Throughout his career, Perdue has managed numerous disaster and emergency response efforts, providing project leadership for major hurricanes and strikes since 2001. In addition to his extensive private sector experience, Perdue brings both military and civilian law enforcement backgrounds to his role. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Law Enforcement Administration from the University of Oklahoma and has completed advanced leadership and professional development programs through Cornell, G4S Americas, and additional certifications. Perdue has also contributed thought leadership to the industry, authoring an article on cultivating safety culture for Security Management magazine.