Debate: “We don’t need more security guards”
In the editorial of Detektor 3/2025, Lennart Alexandrie argued that the “security guard shortage” in Sweden is a myth and criticized the security companies for their lack of innovation.
The industry organization Säkerhetsföretagen responded to the criticism, claiming that the industry needs 30,000 more employees—mainly security and protection guards—prompting Tony Fahlström, founder and CEO of Intrasenze, to write this article.
In their reply to the Detektor article, Joachim Källsholm and Pontus Lindström—chairman and head of public policy at Säkerhetsföretagen—argued that Alexandrie’s criticism was not based in reality but on stereotypes. They emphasized the shortage of guards and referred to BYA’s figures showing that Sweden needs tens of thousands more guards. I wonder—on what basis is that conclusion made? And who is supposed to pay for all these new guards?
I am convinced that recruiting more guards will not solve the fundamental problems, because this is not a staffing issue—it is a system issue.
We should learn from other industries and companies. Take transport and logistics, for example, where traditional carriers could not meet the demands for speed, transparency, and reliability. Instead of trying to solve the problems with more people, Amazon saw a solution in technology and a business model designed for the purpose. They built their own logistics system—and created Amazon Prime.
By turning delivery into a service instead of a cost, customers could pay a fixed monthly fee and get unlimited, fast deliveries. Amazon took control of the entire chain, used data to optimize resources, and transformed an entire industry. Technology and business model worked hand in hand. The result was faster deliveries, happier customers, and lower costs per intervention.
Alarm centers and security companies face a similar challenge. Customers want faster responses, transparency, and direct contact—not more intermediaries and waiting times.
Today, large resources are wasted on false alarms, inefficient alarm handling, and duplicated work. Guards are sent out unnecessarily, and communication between alarm systems, customers, monitoring centers, and operators fails. Alarm systems are connected to monitoring centers without using the available potential.
Hiring more people will not solve this—using technology correctly will. The industry must therefore begin to collaborate with third-party providers already developing technology that works in the customer’s interest—neutral actors who can connect systems, alarm centers, and guards in real time.
History shows that true innovation rarely comes from within an established industry. It comes from new players who dare to think differently—just as Amazon did. The security industry must rethink and innovate. The question is not how to fill a gap with 30,000 new guards. The question is why we are not using the technology, systems, and partnerships that already exist—and that can make the work faster, cheaper, and better.
We don’t need more security guards. The security industry needs more ways to create value in every intervention, to better serve customers’ interests.
