[rick newland]

This thread that was closed sickend me http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=44532

To keep it partway on subject I carry a cocked and locked Colt Govt Model. I spent 24 years in the military. Four years in the Army Military Police, twenty years with the Air Force Security Police. I have attended MP school, SP school, jump school, Army sniper school, Airforce EST school,(swat) Northwestern traffic accident and traffic accident reconstruction school and schools I cant remember attending. I have been on several "road trips" to gulf war 1, Somalia, Kosovo and Rwanda during the killings in 95. I can shoot, even beat Richard Heine one time in a competition in Ill in 86. When I retired from the Air Force in Germany I worked for the security company that has the contract for the Army bases in Germany for five years untill my wife received orders (DOD civilian) back to the states. Upon return to the U.S. I just turned 50. Nobody wants to hire a 50 yr old police officer. Federal law enforcement is out since the oldest age you can be hired is 37. So I work as a armed security guard now and carry like I said above a cocked and locked Colt Govt model. But according to some here since I'am a security guard my status in life is lower then whale ???? at the bottom of the ocean. If I wanted to read such elitest threads I would hang out at the Democratic underground. Since my status in life is not very high I won't degrade anybody by visiting here again.

[Devonai]

There many current or former security guards as members here (myself included) who do not have quite such an exotic and comprehensive past as yourself. Even if the thread stayed open, what's wrong with a little friendly ribbing of the section of the industry that makes the rest of us look bad? As a former security guard (armed and otherwise) I don't see what the big deal is. Elitism is in short supply on THR, and the only elitism I sense here is from you. No offense.

[duckfoot]

"rant on"
Good point. That thread kinda ticked me off too. I carry a uspc 9 (my gun related bit) and because my MOTHER is with Loomis Fargo armed ATM collection service as a guard does that mean that she earns everyone’s ill will as well. :fire:

I can say this with all honesty that if anyone and I mean ANYONE tried any high and mighty it’s my right stuff with her you would find .40 cal holes in your chest and say you approched her hostile manner and she was in fear for her life, not that she wants to infringe on your rights but because she would rather go home to her family and will act accordingly. Too many guards and private security are getting offed lately and armed guard service/ private security workers responding accordingly. In her station alone three guards have been killed in the last two years and she and her coworkers are not taking any chances.

Again, I say have you ever had the theft alarm go off when leaving a store when you just paid for an item and just walked off? Or did you stop opened your bag and let the STORE employee check your receipt and the contents of your bag.

I have, and I'm no one's sheep

Things to ponder

"rant off"

[telewinz]

Its true that "rent-a-cops" don't get much respect nor much in the way of money either. I worked for a couple of months as a security guard at a race track 25 years ago for minimum wage (just ETS'ed from the Army). We all pretty much agreed that for minimum wage we wouldn't shoot anyone or prevent any robbery. Our leader (retired cop) agreed 100% with us! My boss at prison will be retiring a the end of the month, he may take a security guard job part-time. Next to sleeping, its an easy (boring) way to earn a dollar. Its kind of like "when I grow up I'll be a cop" or get a real job.

[c_yeager]

Easiest money i ever made. And they let me study on the job. Personally i make fun of security guards probably more than anyone. It doesn bother me in the least. Anyone who does qualify as a "mall ninja" should already be aware that they dont fit the stereotype. I really dont know your getting so bent out of shape over that particular thread. Ive seen FAR FAR worse on other sights. And besides lets not forget that the thread was CLOSED. What more would you want? You want them to ban the dude for making fun of security guards? Face it, 90% of the people in our industry WELL AND TRULY deserve everything that is said about them. The rest of us SHOULD have the confidence not to worry about it.

I mean really, if a thread on the internet bugs you that much how do you deal with the endless ration of crap you have to take at work?

[jsalcedo]

Mass media has a lot to do with the bad rap security guards get.

Sleeping, incompetant, goofy, JBTish is how hollywood portrays the entire profession. Jumpsuit wearing henchmen (aka action film cannon fodder)
get more respect.

Personally I've encountered good and bad just like regular police.

Many of the security guards I've talked to at length were ex-military,
truckers who had back problems, furloughed steel workers, etc...

I've actually hired security guards off their post to work for me when I was
hiring for an electronics manufacturer.

Maybe some hired security deserves ribbing...
The company that sends guards to work the guard house at UPS has gone through at least one person every couple weeks.

Sleeping, unprofessional behavior, not being able to speak english, general incompetance. But assuredly that is the fault of the contractor trying to get by paying minimum wage and having low hiring standards.

[Atticus]

Security guards do take a bashing here (and a lot is unfair) - but you have to admit that the standards for many of those positions are non-existant at best. For every guy like yourself there are a 1000 with no qualications to do what they do. Half of our "guards" at work are 70 years old, and all are unarmed. As long as I flash my badge, I could get through the gate waving an AK, wearing a turban, and shouting Ahllah Akbar! "Ain't my job -he gotta badge"

It's kinda like living in a mobile home- they are affordable, and some are very nice- but they always get made fun of.

[Bruce H]

Someone needs to get over themselves. 24 years in the military. I spent 4 and found that there are two types. Career and lifer. The major difference is one could work and advance anywhere and the other wanted to be told everything they did. You are preaching to the way wrong choir here bud.

[RTFM]

Good bye Rick. I hope you enjoyed you stay.

RTFM.

[c_yeager]

Hypersensitivity and security work simply DONT mix.

Sleeping, incompetant, goofy, JBTish is how hollywood portrays the entire profession.

During my brief time working contract i met more of the above examples than anything else by a WIDE margin. Except for maybe they hardcore wanna be cops/ex "navy seals/sf/spooks". Now, to be fair im sure that there are plenty of EX military personelle in the ranks. And i bet some of them really were members of elite units. Its just that when i meet a 45 year old man that looks like picking up the remote is a strain, who cant get to work sober, and who is sharing "top secret" information with me within 5 minutes of meeting him i get a tad dubious. The fact is that if you want to work the job you have to put up with the crap. Asside from the abuse recieved from the general public it is probably the easiest job in the country. its all a trade off.

[feedthehogs]

Sleeping, unprofessional behavior, not being able to speak english, general incompetance

What makes this different from any other worker?
I deal with this everyday in Florida.

There are certainly plenty of stories here about cops who act the same way.

A job is a job. If done properly, respect is brought to any position in life.

Every station in life needs to be respected by others and taken on a case by case basis and not a general observation.

At least they are working and not living off my damn tax dollars, or workmans comp with some fake injury, or won money in a suit because they stuck a drill in their eye.

[Justin]

Feh.
You've got it easy.
Try working in the media and posting here. ;) :p

[Old Fuff]

Rick;

I just looked at the closed thread, and I think it should have been closed. The fact it was says something about the standards here.

That said, by closing it those that had something different to say didn't get a chance too do so. I don't know that those few posts were representative of the whole membership of this forum. The people who post here come from wide and varied backgrounds, and that's what makes it interesting. You may go if you wish, but it won't leave the rest of us more knowledgeable or better informed. Your past experiences clearly show that you have something to offer.

[BigG]

Stereotypes are based on some truth or they would not perpetuate themselves. I know not all security guards are doofuses, nevertheless, like all workers in all jobs, some are. I worked armed security, too, years ago. There is nothing dishonorable about the job, only the way some do (or do not) do it.

[TarpleyG]

I've seen my fair share of security personnel at my current job. I work at a data center that houses equipment for 4 companies so security is a concern although nothing has ever happened.

When I first relocated with this company to Florida, we didn't have armed guards, just guards. At some point they changed security providers and now the guards are armed. The quality of our guards is better now and we pay more money.

Some of the guards we have had did nothing all day. You could have walked out of here with a server and they'd never notice. Some were wannabe cops. Most were/are ex-military/ex-LEO. Most now are completely capable and do a really good job. The ones that don't, we tell the security company about and they are gone.

That said, I think most folk's perception of security guards comes from malls and living communities. I would say these folks, on average, aren't the sharpest knife in the drawer. Unfortunately, that can apply to ANY low-paying, low-skillset job, including McDonalds and the like. Sure there are shining stars amongst them but for the most part you get squat if you pay squat.

[PC disclaimer]
The above is my opinion and is not intended to offend any person or group.[/PC disclaimer]

GT

[Joe Demko]

So sorry your dignity is bruised. Security guards get ripped on some here. Whole lot less, though, than Jackbooted Thugs (Cops), Public Indoctrination Camp Commissars (Teachers), Propaganda-spewing Mouthpiecesm of the Left (journalists), and Lying Bottom-feeding Parasitic Ambulance Chasers (lawyers). Seems that the occasional politician may be held up for ridicule from time to time, too. And the odd WalMart employee or two. And gunshop clerks. And movie actors. And...

[JohnBT]

Well, it's obvious by your qualifications and past experience that you weren't in the group I observed.

I apologize if my mention of this one class embarrassed you.

John

[kernal_panic]

i too was a security guard for many years. it was alot of fun and the work was rewarding. did everything from leading emts to peoples condos, rescueing old people from bathrooms when their door knob malfuntioned locking them in, chasing off members of the local crminal class, to finding old ladies escaped cats (i got a heap of fudge every year from that lady after that).

generally speaking there are 4 kinds of security guards:

the ninjas- these guys think they are bad asses and deep down want to be a cop and can't hack it

college kids- great job for a college it kid it gave me lots of study time.

old people- they need something to do

retired cops

[Dr.Rob]

Sorry you feel that way. Keep in mind that the GENERAL Forum is for Gun-Related issues, your forum post was fairly unspecific.

For the record, I sat in on Hospital Shared Services gun training class and it was pretty darn good. Career related employment happened before I was to pick up my badge.

[Balog]

I used to work as a guard. Both of the men who stood with me at my wedding were/are security guards. Some are good, especially the armed ones. A lot are wanna be cops. Like any other job, it has some good and some bad people. However it combines low standards for hiring with a chance to have power over others. It's a combo that attracts some real losers.

duckfoot:
So let me get this straight. If someone didn't respect your Mom's (non-existent) authority by trying to exercise his rights contrary to her wishes, she'd murder them. And then lie and say they were threatening her. And you're proud of this? No offence, but ya'll scare me.

Let's get this straight people. GUARDS AREN'T COPS!! They have NO more authority over me than any other private citizen who's property I am on, regardless of what they did before they were guards. Get over yourself.
A lot of them act like mall ninjas (and I say it from experience as a guard and as a consumer). This annoys some people, who poke fun at the people who act like this. Get over it.

Edit:For spelling

[Topgun]

That post that "sickened" anyone was a SPOOF on the .......OTHER .........totally NON GUN RELATED POST that is now running into 6 pages or so.

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=43944

On TFL, Rich once told me to conspicuously post the word "SATIRE" on any of my tongue-in-cheek posts.

I guess I ...... must!

I have nothing against SECURITY GUARDS. They are decent working people. Some good .... some bad.....like any other profession.

I suppose it is my fault for thinking that some ......NOT ALL OR MOST.... gun enthusiasts may someday acquire a skin thicker than a gnat's membrane. Or possibly be able to see something ........subtle........

Most of you are fair minded, rational gun nuts who DON'T scramble around Mayberry with a chip-on-the-shoulder ATTITUDE.

I put a .........smiley.........in it. No good. Didn't work.

Do we need a SEPARATE category to poke some fun that has RATINGS like movies so the Neanderthals don't get confused?

NO DISRESPECT FOR SECURITY GUARDS INTENDED!

Jeez.

:rolleyes:

[sm]

Hey Topgun...

Start a thread about late 40's male students, going back to school, whom live in the south, and drive trucks. That would be me-OK?

I bet ya even without a "smilie," a "satire" or "tongue in cheek' disclaimer, I won't get riled...bet you a soft drink of your choice. :)

Heck , I don't even need a flame suit. :) Oh make fun of the fact I shoot a 1911 style too...to really get my goat...

[Topgun]

Anyone who would use such an outdated, obsolete, piece of junk is BENEATH ridicule.

I just figure they are too dumb to have discovered the 1912 !!!


:D :D :D

WHOOP WHOOP WHOOP...........SATIRE........SATIRE.......

...................JOKE.........................

No one in their right mind would "diss" a 1911.

That moron, John Moses Browning, would turn in his grave.

uh oh......

.......................I N C O M I N G...........................................

[sm]

I want to report I am a 1911 style shooter.

Topgun posted the following:

Anyone who would use such an outdated, obsolete, piece of junk is BENEATH ridicule....I just figure they are too dumb to have discovered the 1912 !!!

I am not offended. I just checked and my shorts are not twisted.

:D :D

[duckfoot]

duckfoot:

She doesn't care about all that respect stuff and whatnot, she respects her life and that her family needs her. With three other ATM techs getting waxed in the last two years at her station alone, people react.

For that reason alone I wouldn't mess with any Armor truck guard/ATM tech.

I have tried to get her to find other work, but the pay isn't as good with her skill set, or so she says.

[Penforhire]

Rick, you seem to be too sensitive for your background. You need a thicker skin to participate in ANY on-line forum I've seen on any subject.

More to the point, security work has a horribly low average wage. I'd hope you are better compensated than most but, taken as a group, private security rates right up there with working at a fast food joint, only easier. You should not be surprised most of us rag on the people who get attracted to that work.

You tell us your background and I have to say you are better qualified than 99% of the rent-a-cops I've talked to. Maybe you should consider executive protection work.

[Mastrogiacomo]

Boy Rick, just went through this myself. I'm an armed guard currently working an unarmed site. I get the same respect as dirt. You've got to realize a lot of people won't listen to you or respect you as a person simply because you're not a cop -- nor will they comply even if you're just doing your job -- respectfully too I might add. As a female guard, I expect to get dumped on a lot and learn to say screw them -- and just take my frustrations to the range. Life is too short to sweat the small stuff....stick around. Not everyone is so narrow minded.

[Brian Dale]

duck, She doesn't care about all that respect stuff and whatnot, she respects her life and that her family needs her. With three other ATM techs getting waxed in the last two years at her station alone, people react. For that reason alone I wouldn't mess with any Armor truck guard/ATM tech. You've hit the nail on the head. Security guards ought to be armed, so that they can protect human life, their own not less than any other.

On the other hand, I "don't mess with" armored trucks out of fear for my own life. I don't know anything about the training, experience or beliefs of the armored truck drivers for whom I've had to slam on the brakes as they've pulled out into traffic from driveways with complete disregard for traffic laws, rights-of-way or anything but the fact that their vehicles are much more massive and heavily constructed than mine.

I don't know anything about the feelings of the armored truck driver who once caused me and four other pedestrians to run for our lives from the sidewalk as he or she barrelled across it to the street from an underground bank entrance.

Respect for their lives? Fine. It's not an issue for me because, out of respect for my own life, I stay well out of their way.

[another okie]

Time for a thicker skin, dude. I am both a lawyer and a teacher. Don't you think I get some serious guff here? Bring it on, guys, I've heard worse than anything you can lay on me.

[yayarx7]

You're from Oklahoma.

[Brian Dale]

{silly, OT, time-wasting post deleted by Happy Bob}

[Drjones]

Rick:

Welcome. :)

You have a very impressive past, to make a great understatement, and I know I can speak for all of us when I say that we are all honored to have you here.

That said, here is my opinion, submitted most humbly: Lighten up. It's just a bit of joking around. No one here honestly thinks less of or looks down upon security guards.


Relax and enjoy!
Drjones :)

[pistolwhipped]

What job does not have jokes made about it ???
Doctors , Lawyers, Indian Chiefs , Florida Football Coachs ????
REST !!

[Futo Inu]

I'll just say, give THR a chance. It's mostly all good people here. I do agree it's rude to make fun of a profession in blanket terms like that, but also, my main objection to it here is that it's off-topic. I too take some offense when people lawyer-bash without noting that they're either kidding, or recognizing that it's a particular sub-group that is the problem (e.g. lawyers for the plaintiffs suing the gun industry), just as gun owners take offense when stereotyped as beer-guzzlin, child-beatin', hillbilly redneck whackos. I don't think it's right, and I think you would be amiss if you *didn't* stand up for the good people in your profession, as you are with this thread.

Anotherokie, that is funny - you say you catch hell because you're a teacher and a lawyer (which I didn't realize), then someone has to chime in that just the okie part itself is grief-worthy. Grrr. Well, at least we okies still have Arkansas. JK. :)

[OF]

People need to lighten up.

- Gabe

[P95Carry]

Appears Rick, that you have indeed left us ..... or are just lurking ... great pity. I suspect you wrote during a few moments of angst and perhaps have cooled off some by now ... and even if not ..... there are now many posts giving many and diverse opinions - many are supportive. Drop in and add some more of your thoughts - why not?

Your past is impressive and in itself can I think only command respect .... the fact that you feel belittled or ''got at'' in your current work is unfortunate but ........ by your age now you really should grow a slightly thicker skin ya know!:)

By and large the people here are IMO amongst the best cross section you'll find anywhere in the gun-owning community (note ... I do not use the ''gun nut'' term .... ) and broadly this board engenders good respect and courtesy.

As I said . if you still lurk (and surely you MUST be curious as to what we all think .... seeing as you posted to kick off the thread!) ........ let's be having you're thoughts again ..... bring it on .. :)

[grampster]

Rick,

Don't be so quick to judge folks. Sure, there is a lot of banter and friendly insult here. That's half the fun, especially if one posts something dumb and gets their come-uppance. Worse yet, post something stooopid and its ignored. There is too much worthy stuff and info on this entire site to quickly make a decision and run.....Hell, I was in law enforcement for several years, and when in training as a "police cadet" I had to wear a silly cadet uniform to a college in the 60's......try that one of for size....and couldn't carry either......then I went into the insurance bidness.....that's even lower than selling used cars or being an shys....ooops, I mean Juris Doctor....
Methinks since you joined the World you have found that your background, having much honor and experience, just doesn't cut bait at age 50 in the unstructered America of the 21st Century. Why not try finding a little town or rural township or county somewhere on the fruited plain that wants to hire an experienced LEO. Rural and UP Michigan departments are loaded with retired staties and local LEO's and county mounties. There is a place for you, buddy, just look a little harder. Meanwhile, hang with us for awhile......you are appreciated and are one of us.

cordially,
grampster

[larryw]

Let's see, we have 7500 members here and you're going to judge all based on the silly ramblings of three or four. OK, happy trails.

Perhaps a better title for the thread is "Insecure or over sensitive?"

[another okie]

yayarx7:
Guilty! A third generation Okie, though I was born in Arkansas. Add Arkansas to the mix and now I'm really exposed to jokes. I can safely report, though, that I didn't marry my cousin, even though that's legal in Arkansas. (We Okies do have some standards.)

The county I live in can best be summed up by a story from a couple of years ago - a guy was arrested for putting firecrackers between the toes of his buddy, who had passed out from drinking too much, and then lighting the firecrackers. Ouch! And there's the young lady who (I swear I am not making this up) while taking an essay test raised her hand and asked, "How you spell illiterate?"

[c_yeager]

Let's get this straight people. GUARDS AREN'T COPS!! They have NO more authority over me than any other private citizen who's property I am on, regardless of what they did before they were guards.

Balog, property owners have quite a few rights on their property. Often times more so than cops. Granted that authority ends at the boundaries of their property. And people pretty much always have the right to LEAVE that property.

[Moparmike]

Posted by Futo Inu:okie part itself is grief-worthy. Grrr. Well, at least we okies still have Arkansas. JK. :)Yes, and we in AR have Mississippi, Culiforrrneeea, and Louisiana to make us look better.:neener:

Besides, here in AR no one can refute that Border Okies are the worst drivers on the planet. Texas drivers at least know they are driving wrecklessly.:neener: :neener:

Unfortunately, we have the HQ of the KKK in Zinc. Didnt know that until recently.:eek: :uhoh: :fire: