After reading this interesting article from newsmax, I started to think about the issue of arming security guards.
Almost all the security guards I see day-to-day are UNARMED (i.e. at malls, hotels, etc.). The only security guards I usually see that are armed are armored transport/ATM guards.
Assuming they get and maintain the proper firearms training, and pass a proper background check, why not arm more security guards, especially in our post 9/11 world?
Link to the article:
Reprinted from NewsMax.com
To Protect, Serve and Fight Terrorism – At Eight Bucks An Hour
Bruce Mandelblit
Friday, Aug. 6, 2004
The terror alerts announced over the last week by the Department of Homeland Security have reinforced a crucial reality: There are clear and present threats against a variety of private sector targets. Many of our country’s financial institutions, chemical plants, oil refineries, and nuclear facilities are owned and/or operated by private enterprises.
Although during these times of heightened security these high risk targets’ safekeeping may be enhanced by law enforcement, many times the front line safety of these important parts of nation’s infrastructure is the primary responsibility of private security.
An article posted on USATODAY.com, “Private Security Guards Are Homeland’s Weak Link,†has put a sharp focus on many of the day-to-day issues that private security must cope with.
This compelling article pointed out many of the difficulties, troubles and challenges facing the private security industry today. It spotlighted, for example, the alarming fact that many of our country’s one million-plus security officers are unlicensed, untrained (or poorly trained) and not subject to background checks.
The article also highlighted the distressing reality that the private security officer business is hallmarked, in general, by high turnover, low pay and few benefits.
With the increasing demand for private security, some firms are just looking for “warm bodies†to fill their uniforms. Especially in this day and age, with the many threats we must face, this is utterly outrageous.
What steps can be reasonably taken to help professionalize and improve our nation’s current state of private security?
Here are some thoughts:
Rent-A-Cops: I abhor that unfounded term to describe security guards. Security officers should be a well-trained deterrent with enhanced skills to observe, report, and when possible, prevent improper activity at their assigned posts within the limits of the law. A security officer is not a law enforcement officer, and they are surely not a “rent-a-cop.â€
Image: A related issue is the public’s image of security officers. How many of us have seen security guards portrayed on TV and in movies as stupid, lazy and even criminals themselves? The stereotype of a sleeping security guard wearing a grubby uniform, with an opened lunchbox by his side, has become ubiquitous in our society. This dubious image could change by attracting the right people into the private security business, and by having them set the example of professionalism and integrity.
Career: Being a professional security officer, especially in our post September 11, 2001 world, should be a viable career choice. The job of security officer should not just be the purview of the semi-retired, part-timers and students. With proper compensation, adequate benefits, sufficient training and stimulating advancement prospects, many individuals may find job of a security officer a highly attractive career option.
Pay: According the USATODAY.com article, in the year 2000, private security guards earned an average of $17,570 annually, and many leave within months of being hired. And, don’t forget that a security guard is considered a high risk job for workplace violence according to government statistics. Sadly, each and every year, a few security officers make the ultimate sacrifice by being murdered in the line of duty. Being a security guard for eight bucks or so an hour doesn’t sound like such a great deal, does it?
Background Checks: The proper background checks should be fully completed before a security officer is assigned to their post. I believe this is just common sense, and the right thing to do.
Training: Training ought to be in two parts. First, all security guards should be given a standardized training course, a sort of “security academy†in which all the basics are covered such as security procedures, emergency drills, first-aid, report writing, etc. Second, training should additionally cover areas specific to the security guard’s post. Periodic updates and retraining should be integrated into the security officer’s work schedule.
Equipment: Having the right equipment to do one’s job is essential. I have observed, regrettably, many security guards wearing uniforms that are a size or two too small or large, carrying broken flashlights, and using malfunctioning radios. How can a security officer be expected to have dignity in his job when his employer does not even care enough to issue the proper and functioning equipment and supplies? All security guards should be issued the suitable equipment to do their intrinsically risky jobs in as safe and proficient a manner as reasonably possible. In addition, the issuing of body armor should be carefully considered, especially to those security guards working “higher risk†details.
Professionalism: Security officers should be professionals in their field, and therefore, treated as such. Unfortunately, I have seen - especially in certain industries - managers who viewed a security guard as an extra pair of hands to do non-security duties, such as maintenance and housekeeping.
How would that manager explain that while a security officer was busy unplugging a toilet, a trespasser entered the property and assaulted a visitor or employee?
Simply put, security guards should be limited to security-related duties.
Pride: I think the word “pride†sums it all up. If pride was shared by all involved in private security, from the security officer to the employer, the level of professionalism would immediately be enhanced. If one has pride in what they do, they will do a better job.
My Final Thoughts: There are already many proficient and capable people in the security industry. We must find the proper ways to retain and motivate these fine folks, while at the same time, working to attract additional qualified people to their ranks.
Like they say in the movie “A Field Of Dreams,†if you build it, they will come. I believe the same theory will hold true for the private security industry.
If security management makes the effort in time, resources and funds to “build†a better security officer, the public will come to demand this new breed of skilled security guard. Only then, in time, will private security shift from being an industry of many contracts being awarded to the “lowest bidder,†to one which is a viable and appealing career option for the well-trained, well-paid and respected security professional.
(Note: If you manufacture or distribute any Security, Safety, Emergency Preparedness, Homeland Defense or Crime Prevention related products, please send information on your product line for possible future reference in this column to: [email protected].)
Copyright 2004 by Bruce Mandelblit
Bruce welcomes your thoughts. Staying Safe is a weekly syndicated column covering the topics of security, safety and crime prevention. A nationally known security journalist, as well as a recently retired, highly decorated reserve Law Enforcement Officer, Bruce was commissioned as a Kentucky Colonel - the state’s highest honor - for his public service. This column is provided for general information purposes only. Please check with your local law enforcement agency and legal professional for information specific to you and your jurisdiction.
******
Just my 2 cents...
Almost all the security guards I see day-to-day are UNARMED (i.e. at malls, hotels, etc.). The only security guards I usually see that are armed are armored transport/ATM guards.
Assuming they get and maintain the proper firearms training, and pass a proper background check, why not arm more security guards, especially in our post 9/11 world?
Link to the article:
Reprinted from NewsMax.com
To Protect, Serve and Fight Terrorism – At Eight Bucks An Hour
Bruce Mandelblit
Friday, Aug. 6, 2004
The terror alerts announced over the last week by the Department of Homeland Security have reinforced a crucial reality: There are clear and present threats against a variety of private sector targets. Many of our country’s financial institutions, chemical plants, oil refineries, and nuclear facilities are owned and/or operated by private enterprises.
Although during these times of heightened security these high risk targets’ safekeeping may be enhanced by law enforcement, many times the front line safety of these important parts of nation’s infrastructure is the primary responsibility of private security.
An article posted on USATODAY.com, “Private Security Guards Are Homeland’s Weak Link,†has put a sharp focus on many of the day-to-day issues that private security must cope with.
This compelling article pointed out many of the difficulties, troubles and challenges facing the private security industry today. It spotlighted, for example, the alarming fact that many of our country’s one million-plus security officers are unlicensed, untrained (or poorly trained) and not subject to background checks.
The article also highlighted the distressing reality that the private security officer business is hallmarked, in general, by high turnover, low pay and few benefits.
With the increasing demand for private security, some firms are just looking for “warm bodies†to fill their uniforms. Especially in this day and age, with the many threats we must face, this is utterly outrageous.
What steps can be reasonably taken to help professionalize and improve our nation’s current state of private security?
Here are some thoughts:
Rent-A-Cops: I abhor that unfounded term to describe security guards. Security officers should be a well-trained deterrent with enhanced skills to observe, report, and when possible, prevent improper activity at their assigned posts within the limits of the law. A security officer is not a law enforcement officer, and they are surely not a “rent-a-cop.â€
Image: A related issue is the public’s image of security officers. How many of us have seen security guards portrayed on TV and in movies as stupid, lazy and even criminals themselves? The stereotype of a sleeping security guard wearing a grubby uniform, with an opened lunchbox by his side, has become ubiquitous in our society. This dubious image could change by attracting the right people into the private security business, and by having them set the example of professionalism and integrity.
Career: Being a professional security officer, especially in our post September 11, 2001 world, should be a viable career choice. The job of security officer should not just be the purview of the semi-retired, part-timers and students. With proper compensation, adequate benefits, sufficient training and stimulating advancement prospects, many individuals may find job of a security officer a highly attractive career option.
Pay: According the USATODAY.com article, in the year 2000, private security guards earned an average of $17,570 annually, and many leave within months of being hired. And, don’t forget that a security guard is considered a high risk job for workplace violence according to government statistics. Sadly, each and every year, a few security officers make the ultimate sacrifice by being murdered in the line of duty. Being a security guard for eight bucks or so an hour doesn’t sound like such a great deal, does it?
Background Checks: The proper background checks should be fully completed before a security officer is assigned to their post. I believe this is just common sense, and the right thing to do.
Training: Training ought to be in two parts. First, all security guards should be given a standardized training course, a sort of “security academy†in which all the basics are covered such as security procedures, emergency drills, first-aid, report writing, etc. Second, training should additionally cover areas specific to the security guard’s post. Periodic updates and retraining should be integrated into the security officer’s work schedule.
Equipment: Having the right equipment to do one’s job is essential. I have observed, regrettably, many security guards wearing uniforms that are a size or two too small or large, carrying broken flashlights, and using malfunctioning radios. How can a security officer be expected to have dignity in his job when his employer does not even care enough to issue the proper and functioning equipment and supplies? All security guards should be issued the suitable equipment to do their intrinsically risky jobs in as safe and proficient a manner as reasonably possible. In addition, the issuing of body armor should be carefully considered, especially to those security guards working “higher risk†details.
Professionalism: Security officers should be professionals in their field, and therefore, treated as such. Unfortunately, I have seen - especially in certain industries - managers who viewed a security guard as an extra pair of hands to do non-security duties, such as maintenance and housekeeping.
How would that manager explain that while a security officer was busy unplugging a toilet, a trespasser entered the property and assaulted a visitor or employee?
Simply put, security guards should be limited to security-related duties.
Pride: I think the word “pride†sums it all up. If pride was shared by all involved in private security, from the security officer to the employer, the level of professionalism would immediately be enhanced. If one has pride in what they do, they will do a better job.
My Final Thoughts: There are already many proficient and capable people in the security industry. We must find the proper ways to retain and motivate these fine folks, while at the same time, working to attract additional qualified people to their ranks.
Like they say in the movie “A Field Of Dreams,†if you build it, they will come. I believe the same theory will hold true for the private security industry.
If security management makes the effort in time, resources and funds to “build†a better security officer, the public will come to demand this new breed of skilled security guard. Only then, in time, will private security shift from being an industry of many contracts being awarded to the “lowest bidder,†to one which is a viable and appealing career option for the well-trained, well-paid and respected security professional.
(Note: If you manufacture or distribute any Security, Safety, Emergency Preparedness, Homeland Defense or Crime Prevention related products, please send information on your product line for possible future reference in this column to: [email protected].)
Copyright 2004 by Bruce Mandelblit
Bruce welcomes your thoughts. Staying Safe is a weekly syndicated column covering the topics of security, safety and crime prevention. A nationally known security journalist, as well as a recently retired, highly decorated reserve Law Enforcement Officer, Bruce was commissioned as a Kentucky Colonel - the state’s highest honor - for his public service. This column is provided for general information purposes only. Please check with your local law enforcement agency and legal professional for information specific to you and your jurisdiction.
******
Just my 2 cents...
