Why we Psych Test

[N. A. Corbier]

From Officer.com:
Security Guard Starts Fire at Paint Plant
The circumstances were too similar not to raise suspicions: two early morning fires a little more than a month apart at a local paint processing plant -- and the same guard on duty both times.

By late Sunday, the guard found himself under arrest, accused of setting the fire earlier that day that caused an estimated $500,000 in damage to Plasti-Kote Co. on Lake Road.

Kevin Watson, 19, of Wadsworth, was arraigned Monday in Medina Municipal Court on a felony count of aggravated arson.

Charges related to the first fire, which started just before 2 a.m. Dec. 25, probably will be handled by a grand jury, Medina Police Lt. Bob Starcher said.

Watson is being held in lieu of $100,000 bond in the Medina County Jail.

Detective Mark Kollar, who was called out to the 3 a.m. fire Sunday, said Watson initially denied any involvement.

But during an interview that stretched for more than five hours, he finally said he did it.

According to Kollar, Watson offered a variety of explanations that included saying he blacked out, that he heard voices in his head and that he hoped to someday be a firefighter and wanted to meet them.

``He had a fascination with fire,'' Kollar said.

Watson was employed by Securitas Security Services USA Inc., a nationwide security firm once known as Pinkerton.

Kollar said Watson had been with the company for about 11 months, and he was not aware of any fires occurring at any other buildings for which Watson would have been responsible.

The fire Sunday occurred in the production area of Plasti-Kote, which makes and distributes spray paints and coatings worldwide. Fire Chief William Herthneck said it was contained quickly -- within about 10 minutes -- thanks to the fire suppression system installed inside the large building.

Herthneck said it was obvious that the fire Sunday had been started in at least three places inside the building, which prompted the call to Kollar.

The December fire occurred in a warehouse behind the main complex and caused $75,000 to $100,000 in damage, he said. The December fire is being investigated as an arson. Police and fire officials are awaiting test results from Columbus to confirm their suspicions.

Both Herthneck and Starcher declined to say what was used to start the fires. Herthneck said cleanup was well under way at the plant by Monday afternoon, and it was expected that only one work shift would be lost.

But the fire did more than damage equipment and computers, he said.

He said the fire destroyed research being conducted for roughly three months in an oven in the production area.

A woman at Plasti-Kote on Monday referred all calls to the Medina Police Department.

---

Cost of Psych Test? Under $100
Cost of Background Investigation? $75.00-$250.00
Cost of not hiring a pyromaniac? Priceless.

Some things only common sense can buy. For everything else, there's Business MasterCard.

[Mr. Security]

Another black-eye. Thanks alot WBS. :mad:

[Mr. Security]

I'm still mad! There's no excuse for not administering such a test. If these companies spent half as much on recruiting and proper screening as they do on their image, they wouldn't have to spend so much on their image, especially damage control. It's just beyond comprehension.

[Bill Warnock]

I'm still mad! There's no excuse for not administering such a test. If these companies spent half as much on recruiting and proper screening as they do on their image, they wouldn't have to spend so much on their image, especially damage control. It's just beyond comprehension.
Agree wholeheartedly. This is another example wherein the security community takes it in the shorts because the company is eager to hire a warm body. I had an assignment to a chemical plant when working for Pinkerton. Pinkerton checked my USAF/ANG records with ANG personnel officer. Clean bill of health. A phone call or a piece of paper sent to former employers or in the case of this 19-year old, call to his high school or local PD could have prevented his hiring. Operative term, "could have."
The paint company may have been complicit in not requiring background checks or the guard company lied to the client.
If in Ohio, Common Pleas Court, a grand jury could really hammer this jerk.
Enjoy the day,
Bill

[Mr. Security]

Agree wholeheartedly. This is another example wherein the security community takes it in the shorts because the company is eager to hire a warm body. I had an assignment to a chemical plant when working for Pinkerton. Pinkerton checked my USAF/ANG records with ANG personnel officer. Clean bill of health. A phone call or a piece of paper sent to former employers or in the case of this 19-year old, call to his high school or local PD could have prevented his hiring. Operative term, "could have."
The paint company may have been complicit in not requiring background checks or the guard company lied to the client.
If in Ohio, Common Pleas Court, a grand jury could really hammer this jerk.
Enjoy the day,
Bill

I can hear it now: "Not guilty by reason of mental defect, your honor." :(

[histfan71]

A phone call or a piece of paper sent to former employers or in the case of this 19-year old, call to his high school or local PD could have prevented his hiring.

Bill,

Unless I missed something in the article, I did not read that this guy had a previous criminal record or was suspected in any prior incidents. Checking with past employers or the local PD would not have turned up any negative information if that was, in fact, the case. It is entirely possible that a background investigation was conducted, but that no disqualifying information was found.

That being said, since he was employed by Securitas, I am sure no background investigation was conducted and he was hired on the spot after filling out his application. I once worked for Securitas here in Southern California and I saw this done on a daily basis. That is one of the reasons I no longer work for them.

[N. A. Corbier]

Afraid this guy seemed to have no criminal record. I'm not sure a high school counselor would be able to disclose anything that he/she felt "wrong" with the student. This is an "mcdonalds" type employer asking in the mind of many, not a police department background investigator, so they don't really don't care to disclose every little thing.

[Mr. Security]

.... This is an "mcdonalds" type employer....

Would you like a fire, I mean fries with that sir? :D

[Bill Warnock]

Bill,

Unless I missed something in the article, I did not read that this guy had a previous criminal record or was suspected in any prior incidents. Checking with past employers or the local PD would not have turned up any negative information if that was, in fact, the case. It is entirely possible that a background investigation was conducted, but that no disqualifying information was found.

That being said, since he was employed by Securitas, I am sure no background investigation was conducted and he was hired on the spot after filling out his application. I once worked for Securitas here in Southern California and I saw this done on a daily basis. That is one of the reasons I no longer work for them.

Histfan71, your point is well taken maybe due dilligence was exercised; however, if the Company posed the requests in such a fashion as to indicate this person seeking employment would be placed in a sensitive position explaining duties anticipated, that might have helped. Somewhere in his background there has to be an indicator.
N.A. Corbier, Mr. Security and others, am I putting to fine a point on this?
Enjoy the day,
Bill

[ACP01]

This is just is little something I learned about phsyc tests...
I have read where the test results of serial arsonists and paid firefighters are very similar yet people are hired everyday as firefighters.
A lot (most?) of people that go into either private or public services as PD,FD, EMS or SOs do so for the excitement and adventure it may bring and some may not find all they thought they would thus they create their own. Usually tho that person will do it in a way that they are the "HERO that saved the day!" ie Mighty Mouse syndrome.
Remember this happens with folks that have taken and passed these tests also. Plus have passed background checks also.

[Mr. Security]

Histfan71, your point is well taken maybe due dilligence was exercised; however, if the Company posed the requests in such a fashion as to indicate this person seeking employment would be placed in a sensitive position explaining duties anticipated, that might have helped. Somewhere in his background there has to be an indicator.
N.A. Corbier, Mr. Security and others, am I putting to fine a point on this?
Enjoy the day,
Bill

Possibly. However, I do not agree with Histfan71's statement that Securitas didn't do a criminal background check. I went to Ohio's web-site and it indicates that background checks are required (the site is not user friendly with my browser settings).

Now, whether Securitas checked his references is a whole different matter. A good question to ask prior employers is: "Would you hire him/her again?" Sometimes employers will answer this question, legal or not. If they didn't check, they failed to exercise due-diligence.

[histfan71]

Possibly. However, I do not agree with Histfan71's statement that Securitas didn't do a criminal background check. I went to Ohio's web-site and it indicates that background checks are required (the site is not user friendly with my browser settings).

Now, whether Securitas checked his references is a whole different matter. A good question to ask prior employers is: "Would you hire him/her again?" Sometimes employers will answer this question, legal or not. If they didn't check, they failed to exercise due-diligence.

Right you are Mr. Security. The Securitas office I worked out of DOES do criminal history checks, but does NOT check past employers, personal references, driving records, etc. Perhaps other Securitas offices do more thorough background checks.

In my personal case at Securitas I applied for a management position. After filling out the application and taking an "honesty survey" I was interviewed by a Human Resources person, and that person checked my criminal history right in front of me. After that I was interviewed by the Branch Manager and hired on the spot. No other background/personal history checks were performed. They did not even verify that the information I provided on the application was correct.

This did not only happen in my case. In my position I was involved in the hiring process for guards and it was like a hiring mill. So long as you did not have a recent criminal background, could fit into a uniform they had on hand, and could breathe without the assistance of heavy machinery you were hired!

My disgust with that process was one of the reasons (and there were many others) I left that company and will never return. Again, I can only speak for the branch I worked at. Perhaps other branches in other areas of the country do things differently.

[hemi444]

The Securitas office I worked out of DOES do criminal history checks, but does NOT check past employers, personal references, driving records, etc. Perhaps other Securitas offices do more thorough background checks.

I am applying for a part time atm escort position. prior to the hiring process I have to take a polygraph test as well. I never heard of a private company doing such testing prior to employment.

[Mr. Security]

I am applying for a part time atm escort position. prior to the hiring process I have to take a polygraph test as well. I never heard of a private company doing such testing prior to employment.

You will be involved with cash handling security. Conspiracies are a real possibility between the guard and ATM person. I understand why they require it.

Incidentally, Guardsmark requires polygraphs in states that don't outlaw it.

[Mr. Security]

Right you are Mr. Security. The Securitas office I worked out of DOES do criminal history checks, but does NOT check past employers, personal references, driving records, etc. Perhaps other Securitas offices do more thorough background checks.

In my personal case at Securitas I applied for a management position. After filling out the application and taking an "honesty survey" I was interviewed by a Human Resources person, and that person checked my criminal history right in front of me. After that I was interviewed by the Branch Manager and hired on the spot. No other background/personal history checks were performed. They did not even verify that the information I provided on the application was correct.

This did not only happen in my case. In my position I was involved in the hiring process for guards and it was like a hiring mill. So long as you did not have a recent criminal background, could fit into a uniform they had on hand, and could breathe without the assistance of heavy machinery you were hired!

My disgust with that process was one of the reasons (and there were many others) I left that company and will never return. Again, I can only speak for the branch I worked at. Perhaps other branches in other areas of the country do things differently.

I believe you. It's sad. Pinkerton Government Services are probably more careful.

[N. A. Corbier]

Back in the day, 1990s era, when I worked on a DoD Contractor site, it wasn't ESCO/Advance/Whoever They Are that screened us. It was DISA.

This may be the method that large companies use to screen "government services" employees. Ie: Place the entire burden on Defense Investigative Services Agency.

[1stWatch]

I have heard some state regulatory agencies are talking about making psychological testing a requirement prior to security licensing. I am in support of the idea.

[hemi444]

I have heard some state regulatory agencies are talking about making psychological testing a requirement prior to security licensing. I am in support of the idea.
Here in PA we have to take the minn personality # 2 test for our state agents cert (aka pa act 235).

[Mr. Security]

This is just is little something I learned about phsyc tests...
I have read where the test results of serial arsonists and paid firefighters are very similar yet people are hired everyday as firefighters.
A lot (most?) of people that go into either private or public services as PD,FD, EMS or SOs do so for the excitement and adventure it may bring and some may not find all they thought they would thus they create their own. Usually tho that person will do it in a way that they are the "HERO that saved the day!" ie Mighty Mouse syndrome.
Remember this happens with folks that have taken and passed these tests also. Plus have passed background checks also.

I meant to get back to this post awhile back. These tests are not infallible, as you pointed out. Nevertheless, the more screening the better. However, people are not going to subject themselves to a battery of tests for $10.00/hour. You get what pay for, whether security or anything else. Most people who have gotten the message about the importance of good security are alumni graduates from THE SCHOOL OF HARD KNOCKS. :)

[Will]

Oh, and that's right in IL, too! Doh! :rolleyes:

[Mr. Security]

Oh, and that's right in IL, too! Doh! :rolleyes:

Yeah, this school is everywhere! :D

[N. A. Corbier]

I meant to get back to this post awhile back. These tests are not infallible, as you pointed out. Nevertheless, the more screening the better. However, people are not going to subject themselves to a battery of tests for $10.00/hour. You get what pay for, whether security or anything else. Most people who have gotten the message about the importance of good security are alumni graduates from THE SCHOOL OF HARD KNOCKS. :)

Actually, Weiser Security makes you do just that. A comprehensive placement test, they call it. Its a rudimentary psych test concealed into a "We're placing you with the sites you'd like" test.

And that's for 6.00 an hour, not 10.00. People will do the test battery if they are drawn to the job. Those who walk in off the street cause "zomg they pay money to sleep!" are going to look at that test and go, "... I'm no longer interested."

[Mr. Security]

Actually, Weiser Security makes you do just that. A comprehensive placement test, they call it. Its a rudimentary psych test concealed into a "We're placing you with the sites you'd like" test.

And that's for 6.00 an hour, not 10.00. People will do the test battery if they are drawn to the job. Those who walk in off the street cause "zomg they pay money to sleep!" are going to look at that test and go, "... I'm no longer interested."

I'm interested in performing my duties as a security officer in a diligent manner and I would make the same decision that those who wanted to sleep on the job did, namely ?I?m not interested.? Anyone who knows they are worth more would be foolish to work at 6.00/hour unless that is the typical rate for s/o's in the area AND the standard of living in the area merits such pay.

[N. A. Corbier]

I'm interested in performing my duties as a security officer in a diligent manner and I would make the same decision that those who wanted to sleep on the job did, namely ?I?m not interested.? Anyone who knows they are worth more would be foolish to work at 6.00/hour unless that is the typical rate for s/o's in the area AND the standard of living in the area merits such pay.

As Echos and those in Florida know, that's about the mid-range for unarmed security in Tampa Bay and throughout the state. No, you can't live off that in Florida. 7 was bad enough. 8 was bearable, when I made 4 hours a week in overtime.

[Mr. Security]

As Echos and those in Florida know, that's about the mid-range for unarmed security in Tampa Bay and throughout the state. No, you can't live off that in Florida. 7 was bad enough. 8 was bearable, when I made 4 hours a week in overtime.

I couldn't work security at that rate in Florida. I love security, but I would be forced to go back into accounting in order to provide for my family. :(

[1stWatch]

As Echos and those in Florida know, that's about the mid-range for unarmed security in Tampa Bay and throughout the state. No, you can't live off that in Florida. 7 was bad enough. 8 was bearable, when I made 4 hours a week in overtime.

I make little more than that, but I am barely able to make a living while making 20 hours per week of overtime.

[wjohnc]

Ha! Why am I not surprised a wacko - excuse me, a nutjob - was hired by a security company.
My views on such things are well-known to my friends and family, and I'm trying to get the word out through my website http://www.realmwr.net/rantnrave.htm.


wjohnc


Sun Tzu's remark about a hundred victories...so true