This article was just posted on newsmax.com.
Since I have a very good friend (a retired LEO) trying to get an armed security guard position, I think these article brings out some really good points...plus it scares me alittle too!
Here's the link to this article:
http://newsmax.com/archives/articles/2003/6/11/135858.shtml
To Protect and Serve – At 8 Bucks an Hour
Bruce Mandelblit
Thursday, June 12, 2003
After reading a recent article posted on USATODAY.com titled “Private Security Guards Are Homeland’s Weak Link,†I was concerned.
This compelling article pointed out many of the troubles, issues and challenges facing the private security industry today. It spotlighted, for example, the alarming fact that many of our country’s 1 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.
To add insult to injury, the Associated Press reported that 45 foreign-born security guards were arrested by the INS on immigration violations, with a few even having criminal convictions. These security officers were scheduled to work at or around one of our country’s most high-profile events – and a potential terrorist target – the Super Bowl.
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 post within the limits of the law. A security officer is not a law enforcement officer, and they are surely not “rent-a-cops.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-Sept. 11, 2001 world, should be a viable career choice. The job of security officer should not be just 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 a 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 having malfunctioning radios. How can security officers be expected to have dignity in their jobs when their employers do 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 manner as reasonably possible.
PROFESSIONALISM: A security officer should be a professional in his field and, therefore, treated as such. Unfortunately, I have seen times, especially in some industries, when a manager will look at the 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 guest 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 were shared by all involved in private security, from the security officer to the employer, the level of professionalism would be enhanced immediately. If people have pride in what they do, they will do a better job.
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 work to attract additional qualified people to their ranks.
As they say the movie “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†the better security officer, businesses 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 that is a viable and appealing career option for the well-trained, well-paid and respected security professional.
What do you think?
(Note to law enforcement and security officers and agencies: There is a new low-cost and lightweight state-of-the-art ceramic rifle body armor now available that is designed to be worn in conjunction with your own Level II soft concealable vest and give you up to Level IV rifle protection. For more information on this new officer safety innovation, please e-mail: [email protected].)
Copyright 2003 by Bruce Mandelblit
* * * * * *
“Staying Safe†with Bruce Mandelblit is a regular column for the readers of NewsMax.com and NewsMax.com Magazine.
Bruce welcomes your thoughts. His e-mail address is [email protected].
Bruce is a nationally known security journalist, as well as a recently retired, highly decorated reserve Law Enforcement Officer.
Bruce writes Staying Safe, a nationally syndicated weekly column covering the topics of security, safety and crime prevention.
Bruce was commissioned as a Kentucky Colonel – the state's highest honor – by Gov. Paul E. Patton 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.
------
Since I have a very good friend (a retired LEO) trying to get an armed security guard position, I think these article brings out some really good points...plus it scares me alittle too!
Here's the link to this article:
http://newsmax.com/archives/articles/2003/6/11/135858.shtml
To Protect and Serve – At 8 Bucks an Hour
Bruce Mandelblit
Thursday, June 12, 2003
After reading a recent article posted on USATODAY.com titled “Private Security Guards Are Homeland’s Weak Link,†I was concerned.
This compelling article pointed out many of the troubles, issues and challenges facing the private security industry today. It spotlighted, for example, the alarming fact that many of our country’s 1 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.
To add insult to injury, the Associated Press reported that 45 foreign-born security guards were arrested by the INS on immigration violations, with a few even having criminal convictions. These security officers were scheduled to work at or around one of our country’s most high-profile events – and a potential terrorist target – the Super Bowl.
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 post within the limits of the law. A security officer is not a law enforcement officer, and they are surely not “rent-a-cops.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-Sept. 11, 2001 world, should be a viable career choice. The job of security officer should not be just 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 a 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 having malfunctioning radios. How can security officers be expected to have dignity in their jobs when their employers do 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 manner as reasonably possible.
PROFESSIONALISM: A security officer should be a professional in his field and, therefore, treated as such. Unfortunately, I have seen times, especially in some industries, when a manager will look at the 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 guest 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 were shared by all involved in private security, from the security officer to the employer, the level of professionalism would be enhanced immediately. If people have pride in what they do, they will do a better job.
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 work to attract additional qualified people to their ranks.
As they say the movie “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†the better security officer, businesses 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 that is a viable and appealing career option for the well-trained, well-paid and respected security professional.
What do you think?
(Note to law enforcement and security officers and agencies: There is a new low-cost and lightweight state-of-the-art ceramic rifle body armor now available that is designed to be worn in conjunction with your own Level II soft concealable vest and give you up to Level IV rifle protection. For more information on this new officer safety innovation, please e-mail: [email protected].)
Copyright 2003 by Bruce Mandelblit
* * * * * *
“Staying Safe†with Bruce Mandelblit is a regular column for the readers of NewsMax.com and NewsMax.com Magazine.
Bruce welcomes your thoughts. His e-mail address is [email protected].
Bruce is a nationally known security journalist, as well as a recently retired, highly decorated reserve Law Enforcement Officer.
Bruce writes Staying Safe, a nationally syndicated weekly column covering the topics of security, safety and crime prevention.
Bruce was commissioned as a Kentucky Colonel – the state's highest honor – by Gov. Paul E. Patton 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.
------
