Legal Definitions - pinkerton

The term pinkerton is an informal or slang reference to a private detective or a security guard, especially one who is armed or employed by a private entity rather than a government law enforcement agency. The term originated from the Pinkerton Detective Agency, a prominent private security and detective firm established in the 19th century, which became known for its involvement in various industrial disputes and protective services, leading to its name becoming a generalized term for such private agents.

Here are some examples illustrating the use of the term:

• Example 1: Corporate Security

  When a large technology company discovered that sensitive product designs were being leaked, they hired a specialized firm whose agents conducted discreet investigations, interviewed employees, and set up surveillance. An employee might informally refer to these investigators as "the company's pinkertons" because they are private detectives working exclusively for the corporation, rather than public law enforcement.

• Example 2: Industrial Dispute

  During a prolonged and heated labor strike at a manufacturing plant, the company brought in a team of armed private security guards to protect the facility and ensure that non-striking workers could access the premises. The striking workers, feeling intimidated, might refer to these guards as "the boss's pinkertons," highlighting their role as private enforcers for management.

• Example 3: Personal Protection Detail

  A wealthy art collector, concerned about the security of their extensive private collection and their personal safety after a series of high-profile thefts in the city, employed a dedicated team of armed bodyguards and security consultants. Friends or associates might jokingly or critically refer to this security detail as "the collector's pinkertons," emphasizing their private, protective, and often armed role.