What type of security are you doing?

[3rd_shift]

For now, it's office buildings for me. ;)
But I miss working armed posts at apartment complexes. :(
I'll probably be doing that again soon enough. :cool:

[N. A. Corbier]

For now, it's office buildings for me. ;)
But I miss working armed posts at apartment complexes. :(
I'll probably be doing that again soon enough. :cool:

I used to do those jobs. Armed work at apartment complexes, crime suppression, drug interdiction, etc. The local police (Tampa) used to joke that we needed our own police department, we averaged enough calls for service that we should just book and transport ourselves. :)

An interesting new trend is the ISPS-required port security operations. I've worked them, and have developed a security plan for a port before, with the city client. It was interesting to see how everything laid out, etc.

I'm interested to know your duties at an apartment complex. Are you contractually there to protect property, or are you there to protect the people on it as well? Do you respond to law enforcement calls for service, or do the people just call the police for everything. And, what state are you in, since some states have arrest powers for private security and others actually take citizen rights away from private security guards.

[Bill Warnock]

N.A. Corbier:
You have touched on a problem that will only grow and public policing is stretched to the maximum since 9/11. In my surveys of facilities, many have been found wanting. Too few people wearing far too many hats. They only have time to take a bite out of one function; move to the second, take a bite out of it and move on again.
This is a thumbnail sketch:
The security plan, if you can call it that, lacks any coordination with other members of the staff.
There is a fundamental lack of knowledge of federal or state law, county or city ordinances required for a comprehensive security plan.
Guard force members were not subjected to background checks. The National Intelligence Reform Act of 2004 makes possible these checks through state idenfication agencies.
The security force did not receive training prescribed by state Private Security Service Business regualtions; of particular importance when the force is to be armed.
The composition of the force and organization cannot be described.
Manpower requirements were not established. Manpower calculations were not projected.
Tours of duty were not delineated.
Essential posts and patrols were not established.
Written detailed general orders were not issued. Orders, if issued, were not coordinated with general counsel. If signed, they were not signed by anyone in authority.
Written special or post orders were not issued. Post limits were not established.
Answers to questions such as:What types of weapons, types of ammunition and equipment have been issued to the security force? Are the issued items appropriate to the situation? What should be added or deleted? Any personal ammunition or ?police? type items permitted? If side arms are issued, are holsters equipped with ?grab resistant? devices? If so, what retention level ? 1, 2 or 3? If not so equipped, why not? Liability issues considered? Are all members furnished with non-lethal or less-than-lethal equipment such as batons, chemical sprays or foams?, were vague to say the least.
In a few instances, the plans were coordinated with general counsel or the insurance carrier. Most of the time management would just wing it!
Enjoy the day,
Bill

[N. A. Corbier]

N.A. Corbier:
You have touched on a problem that will only grow and public policing is stretched to the maximum since 9/11. In my surveys of facilities, many have been found wanting. Too few people wearing far too many hats. They only have time to take a bite out of one function; move to the second, take a bite out of it and move on again.
This is a thumbnail sketch:
The security plan, if you can call it that, lacks any coordination with other members of the staff.
There is a fundamental lack of knowledge of federal or state law, county or city ordinances required for a comprehensive security plan.
Guard force members were not subjected to background checks. The National Intelligence Reform Act of 2004 makes possible these checks through state idenfication agencies.
The security force did not receive training prescribed by state Private Security Service Business regualtions; of particular importance when the force is to be armed.
The composition of the force and organization cannot be described.
Manpower requirements were not established. Manpower calculations were not projected.
Tours of duty were not delineated.
Essential posts and patrols were not established.
Written detailed general orders were not issued. Orders, if issued, were not coordinated with general counsel. If signed, they were not signed by anyone in authority.
Written special or post orders were not issued. Post limits were not established.
Answers to questions such as:What types of weapons, types of ammunition and equipment have been issued to the security force? Are the issued items appropriate to the situation? What should be added or deleted? Any personal ammunition or ?police? type items permitted? If side arms are issued, are holsters equipped with ?grab resistant? devices? If so, what retention level ? 1, 2 or 3? If not so equipped, why not? Liability issues considered? Are all members furnished with non-lethal or less-than-lethal equipment such as batons, chemical sprays or foams?, were vague to say the least.
In a few instances, the plans were coordinated with general counsel or the insurance carrier. Most of the time management would just wing it!
Enjoy the day,
Bill

Isn't it wonderful? I worked for a company like that once, called Securex Services. In that capacity, I was unarmed, untrained (The state 8 hour course was given to us by another company, who simply gave us the test and answers and sent us on a 6 hour coffee break), and saddled with a guy who was a total idiot.

In the year I worked for them, I was assigned gate sentry for a Coast Guard Air Station. We had a fixed gate post, which to pass it was a felony under FAA, USC, and FL Statues, a motor patrol post, where we were expected to challenge and detain all unauthorized persons without weapon, restraint, or communications, and had a massive supervision problem: The Airport Police believed they were over us, since they were police and we were security, and everyone knows cops out rank guards. The company would tell the police department: They're not your guards, stop giving them orders. The USCG did too. THey were eventually replaced by sheriff's deputies, the entire airport police, as they were struggling to keep their agency since it was very redundant. 12 officers, 1 sergeant, and 1 lieutenant A SHIFT, and yet they were replaced with two deputies. That's cause they were too busy driving slow on the air station, or generating airport revenue in the 4 mile patrol zone doing speed enforcement.

But, I digress. The "perception" of public policing being at the breaking point, or near it, is something only people with Master of Criminal Justice Administration or perhaps Doctorates understand. The average street cop still believes two things:

Guards are idiots, and trying to take their jobs away from them.
Uppity (This word has been used before, describing two former employers, by local police) Security "GUARD" companies (Emphasis always) are taking our jobs away from us, and we're professionals, and they're not.

I've studied police/security interaction. I live in a state where the government does not see a need to create mandates, and the oversight commission for PIs and Security was disbanded. The state agency responsible for licensing security decided to take it from the local police chief, and stick with PI companies. To run a security firm up here, you must be a PI agency, with a licensed PI in command. Does this make sense? It does, scarily enough.

Wisconsin calls "private security persons" three things in statute: "Private Security Person," "Private Investigator," and "Private Police Officer." You may perform "Private Police" services, if you are a security company. Its a tactic that I use to illustrate the difference between myself and the other yahoos who will also scrub your floors while guarding your facility.

While I'm rambling, that's another thing that I don't understand. Clients must not be used to, or not expecting, protective services. Perhaps their risk index is too low, or they weren't concretely shown the Return of Investment in professional contract security. Their insurance company dictated it, or maybe they were robbed once but that was awhile ago. They demand more tangible proof of RoI, which includes doing the stupidest things ever, like washing floors or taking out laundry. This gives the police and media even more ammunition to keep the public opinion towards "barney fifeism."

The lack of standards is infuriating for me, as the public perception we're held up to is: Law Enforcement. Most companies don't review their guidelines with general counsel. They don't have a Use of Force Matrix, they don't teach about vicarious liability, etc. But when it hits the fan, and the agency and guard is sued, what standard does the public hold them up to? The police.

I've said alot, but I'm not done, just going to several other topics to make. There are issues that should be addressed, and non-compliant person hunted down and leaned on HEAVILY till they are. In the 1940s, or so, police officers were low paid civil servants who "the brotherhood" wasn't always there. Now, they are regarded as highly paid professionals, with several faternal and collective bargining assocations, who command pensions and vast powers.

If you look at Florida's Private Investigator lobby, you can see where good organization can make improvements. Security Officers (The statutory term) were required to carry .38 caliber revolvers. PIs, when working security or working planclothes, could carry 9mm pistol or .380 auto pistols. The PI lobby group even picked up the cause of a statutory redefinition for armed security officers (Why armed? Why not all?) which made battery a felony. Guards (Florida changes the term, alot, back and forth) who worked for the Regent of a Public Junior College were afforded that redef, since the JCs couldn't have University Police.

Which was fun, since a member of the public who thought he could wail on a security officer found himself beat down by that officer, and arrested for felony battery. It created an uproar.

[redrado]

3rd and 2nd shifts in one of the larger hospitals in st louis

[Bill Warnock]

There are now on the ground in New Orleans - local, state and federal LEOs in addition to National Guard soldiers and Federal Military, Army, Marines and Airmen. The Chief of Police NOPD stated on CNN tonight he doesn't know who is in charge and he has asked ATF, ICE, State Guard, Federal Armed Forces, with no one stepping up to the plate and taking responsibility. Medical personnel are at a loss as their duplication in one location and nothing in another area. Written security orders do not exist. Security forces are just winging it. According to CNN, there are only draft emergency and evacuation plans. The date appeared to be blanked out. One unconfirmed report was there was not money in Corps of Engineers budget to run a test exercise of the varied plans in which it was a major player.
We should expect more of all forms of government. As of now, it is a game of CYA.
Take heart, hope it gets better,
Bill

[N. A. Corbier]

There are now on the ground in New Orleans - local, state and federal LEOs in addition to National Guard soldiers and Federal Military, Army, Marines and Airmen. The Chief of Police NOPD stated on CNN tonight he doesn't know who is in charge and he has asked ATF, ICE, State Guard, Federal Armed Forces, with no one stepping up to the plate and taking responsibility. Medical personnel are at a loss as their duplication in one location and nothing in another area. Written security orders do not exist. Security forces are just winging it. According to CNN, there are only draft emergency and evacuation plans. The date appeared to be blanked out. One unconfirmed report was there was not money in Corps of Engineers budget to run a test exercise of the varied plans in which it was a major player.
We should expect more of all forms of government. As of now, it is a game of CYA.
Take heart, hope it gets better,
Bill

First, the jibe: Police departments sneer and warn of "fly by night security guard companies." Should we warn about "fly by night governments?" Seriously, this is insane. First TSA, now a complete breakdown at DHS of who's in charge of a scene.

There need to be severe changes in the way that FEMA, part of DHS, deals with disasters. People don't want to compare NO to a terrorist incident, but this is a good comparison to a tactical nuclear strike. Radiation would still linger, making emergency services at risk, as they are now. People would give up, cut off from their government life line of social services, and degrade into anarchy, as they are now. And the local government would be screaming, "WE JUST GOT NUKED! WE NEED HELP!!!!" and the federal government would be replying, "We have people on the ground, and they have not reported any instances of a nuclear detonation, as of yet," just as they are now. They LOST a convention center and survivors. Now, either NO City Government didn't tell them, or they got lost in the shuffle, but it was all over the media, and someone should of at least investigated the media claim. Don't wait for verification, verify it yourself.

[Bill Warnock]

N.A. Corbier:
You make excellent points; but as of 1800 hrs in the east, 1700 hrs in NO, there are City Forces under the command of the Mayor, National Guard Forces under the command of the Governor and Federal forces under the command of Northern Command. There is no central command, no chain of command. Orders are being issued and orders countermanded. As of the time indicated above, a GAG order was posted by the Governor and Pentagon; there are to be no statements issued to anyone outside that particular chain of command and not to the press.
The last issue to be discussed was the forceable removal of citizens from their homes. The Mayor cites health concerns. The Governor stated that no National Guard members would be used to enforce that order. It would appear that no one but the Mayor would like to evict someone without a certified court order. My training, from USAF Police and County Sheriff, holds that if a person wishes to remain in their home, not an apartment, they cannot be removed from there with proper authorization. The only time you could be removed is if you presented a threat to your neighbors. If only yourself, then only you are endangered.
This is AD Hoc law, which should be a terror to us all. Those with public safety responsibility must look to their emergency plans and programs and do so with all deliberate speed!
Bill

[N. A. Corbier]

N.A. Corbier:
You make excellent points; but as of 1800 hrs in the east, 1700 hrs in NO, there are City Forces under the command of the Mayor, National Guard Forces under the command of the Governor and Federal forces under the command of Northern Command. There is no central command, no chain of command. Orders are being issued and orders countermanded. As of the time indicated above, a GAG order was posted by the Governor and Pentagon; there are to be no statements issued to anyone outside that particular chain of command and not to the press.
The last issue to be discussed was the forceable removal of citizens from their homes. The Mayor cites health concerns. The Governor stated that no National Guard members would be used to enforce that order. It would appear that no one but the Mayor would like to evict someone without a certified court order. My training, from USAF Police and County Sheriff, holds that if a person wishes to remain in their home, not an apartment, they cannot be removed from there with proper authorization. The only time you could be removed is if you presented a threat to your neighbors. If only yourself, then only you are endangered.
This is AD Hoc law, which should be a terror to us all. Those with public safety responsibility must look to their emergency plans and programs and do so with all deliberate speed!
Bill


Think we need to start a topic on this in Security Management. This is textbook "THIS IS NOT HOW TO RUN AN INCIDENT SCENE" for companies. Could you imagine if a nuclear power plant security police unit was run like this during an engagement? Actually, I can. I can see the city police showing up, getting into a running gunfight with the attackers, and then engaging the security police force cause they don't know that they're not security guards and guards don't carry M-16s....

But, yes, your right. From my training in residential security and study of residential law, at least in Florida, even the Sheriff with an emergency eviction order must give you 24 hours to vacate the permises or turn the premises over to the Sheriff (Not the owner.) That gives you time to file a civil injunction and request for relief if you need to, as well.

Some have stated that the mayor has gone nuts. I've been asked if I wanted to come down to NO with a group of volunteers attached to Red Cross Disaster Relief to setup force protection and escort services to the group. My reply was simple: No way. Its too unstable down there, and I'm not talking about rioters or water, I'm talking the government(s). Good luck.

Cause I have a life sized picture of us getting through a FEMA checkpoint, in escort formation, then the LNG is like, "Ok, you can go through," and then we're pinned down by BGs and NOPD starts shooting at all of us. No thank you. If I wanted infantry combat, I'd be in Iraq.

[Bill Warnock]

Geoff:
N.A. Corbier has a good idea; would that fit within the context of this site? I think it would.
Now, N.A., there is a crying need for a basic planning structure and in the instant case, there was none. If I heard and read correctly, the plan for disaster management, recovery and evacuation, if one could call it that, was in draft form. It had been in that state for the past five years. Therefore, no coordination neither organic nor external.
In Air Force's Strategic Air Command Plans, Programs and Training there was a lot of "What if's" that had been answered. For instance, a power transmitter set to the primary frequency blots out Air/Security Police radio communications. What do you do? Most numbered Air Forces had set up three frequencies for police, several for command and control and maintenance. One was SAC wide. That is just one item. During an ORI, Operational Readiness Inspection, the whole plan was tested, every aspect. As a former NCOIC, Training and Plans Division, I have first hand experience with these plans. If you failed an ORI, you had a reinspection within 90 days. Fail that one, you have a new Wing or Group Commander and a lot of folks looking for new jobs. Most senior officer failees went to Air Training Command in those days long ago. Other officers were separated from active service and enlisted were not recommended for reinlistment. At least something was done to make the system function.
Enough military, but you get the picture. In this case, most of the top positions in Home Land Security and FEMA and lawyers and lawyer-speak.
There is supposed to be review of emergency plans when you get federal money. The same applies to state money. Who reviews? Who supervises drills? The term "SNAFU" is left wanting.
Bill

[N. A. Corbier]

Geoff:
N.A. Corbier has a good idea; would that fit within the context of this site? I think it would.
Now, N.A., there is a crying need for a basic planning structure and in the instant case, there was none. If I heard and read correctly, the plan for disaster management, recovery and evacuation, if one could call it that, was in draft form. It had been in that state for the past five years. Therefore, no coordination neither organic nor external.
In Air Force's Strategic Air Command Plans, Programs and Training there was a lot of "What if's" that had been answered. For instance, a power transmitter set to the primary frequency blots out Air/Security Police radio communications. What do you do? Most numbered Air Forces had set up three frequencies for police, several for command and control and maintenance. One was SAC wide. That is just one item. During an ORI, Operational Readiness Inspection, the whole plan was tested, every aspect. As a former NCOIC, Training and Plans Division, I have first hand experience with these plans. If you failed an ORI, you had a reinspection within 90 days. Fail that one, you have a new Wing or Group Commander and a lot of folks looking for new jobs. Most senior officer failees went to Air Training Command in those days long ago. Other officers were separated from active service and enlisted were not recommended for reinlistment. At least something was done to make the system function.
Enough military, but you get the picture. In this case, most of the top positions in Home Land Security and FEMA and lawyers and lawyer-speak.
There is supposed to be review of emergency plans when you get federal money. The same applies to state money. Who reviews? Who supervises drills? The term "SNAFU" is left wanting.
Bill

And the hijacking continues. :) But, lets go with this. Who does review? Agencies get federal grant money for DHS and that. Most of it is still tied up. We, as contractors, can't touch any of that money earmarked for public administration, but OUR money comes with so much legalese and oversight - the technical representatives, the contracting officers, the 400 page bids - that if we screw up ONE DOT, it goes to a higher bidder who shows competency.

Where is the competency review for public money? :)

[Arff312]

I am a security officer for the mall here.

[N. A. Corbier]

I am a security officer for the mall here.

Malls. What do you do at the mall? Ie: Do you respond to incidents at stores, or are the stores off limits since they're not the client? Do you remove persons from the property, or does the mall hire off-duty police officers to enforce rules, while security officers roam around and report incidents to them?

[Arff312]

Well NA you are full of questions. I am a security officer for the mall. This is my second job my primary job is US Air Force Firefighter. The mall does not employ off duty police officers. We handle most of the stuff then call for police assistance when needed. I am still really new at this tomorrow is only my second day working for the company.

[N. A. Corbier]

Well NA you are full of questions. I am a security officer for the mall. This is my second job my primary job is US Air Force Firefighter. The mall does not employ off duty police officers. We handle most of the stuff then call for police assistance when needed. I am still really new at this tomorrow is only my second day working for the company.

Yes, I do. :) Helps those reading understand what the different job functions of security are. In some malls, your sole job would be to walk around and call for the off duty police officer who actually handles the situation. In others, you would be deputized by the mall governing cooperative as a special police officer, and have full arrest powers. Some malls do not provide security or protective services for their client stores - ie: If someone starts attacking someone right inside a store, your job is to allow the client store to deal with it. Its "not your property." Others require their tenants to sign agreements that store security will assist mall security, and vice versa - so that if something bad happens, you can assist the plainclothes store detectives, and vice versa.

[Mr. Security]

. In others, you would be deputized by the mall governing cooperative as a special police officer, and have full arrest powers.

How can a civilian cooperative deputize special police officers and grant arrest powers? My understanding is that mall security (actually, any security) has the same arrest power as a private citizen does according to state law. :confused:

[N. A. Corbier]

How can a civilian cooperative deputize special police officers and grant arrest powers? My understanding is that mall security (actually, any security) has the same arrest power as a private citizen does according to state law. :confused:

Some cooperatives are incoroporated under city charters, such as in large industrial complexes that are technically "towns." These can be large gated communities, such as Celebration, Florida, or the desert master plan communities of the southwest.

The town charter provides that the cooperative is a political subdivision, and therefore has the ability to deputize sworn security forces for their malls, office complexes, and gated community patrol forces. Employees are usually sworn in on their shift by the full time chief of police/commander.

This provides 1 full time position of "police officer," and the rest of the employees are "security officers," which lowers overhead for the cooperative and liability issues (They're only sworn on the complex, at work, and don't have to have the full police benefits package of their state, since they're non-sworn being sworn in each shift..)

Due note: Check your state laws, they differ from state to State. Texas, for example, provides additional protection for "Commissioned Private Security Officers," including statutory redefinition of battery to felony status, and limited arrest powers. Florida provides this redefinement for security officers employed by a junior college, as well.

Wisconsin provides blanket "privileges" to Wisconsins Private Security, Private Detective, and Private Police Officers in the performance of their duties, such as the authorization to carry on their person a firearm in a moving vehicle (illegal for citizens -- makes deer hunting from trucks illegal), the authority to carry a firearm in a city where poesssion of handguns are illegal by city ordinance (There are quite a few), and the authority to "go armed" without creating a disturbance (WI Police are instructed to arrest on sight any person within a town or city who is legally openly carrying a firearm, as such conduct is disorderly and a breach of the peace.)

[Mr. Security]

Thanks for the clarification. :) My answer to this thread's original question: I work as a corporate security officer and as a security consultant.

[wannabedafiveoh]

The mall. It is REALLY cool. There is never a dull moment, and the local PD loves us! I would really like to get hired on with them! :D

[dla4079]

State Jail Captain, I work in a Prison.

[N. A. Corbier]

State Jail Captain, I work in a Prison.
I ask this of most jailers I meet. Are you guys private corrections, like Transcorp or Wackenhut Government Services, or are you sworn state employees?

[1stWatch]

Armed patrol, in vehicle, to various types of properties - commercial businesses, warehouses, apartment complexes, and residences.
Protection of the property itself and the people on it while present at the location.
Response to various complaint calls - disturbances, investigate suspicious activity, certain criminal activity.
Response to burglar and fire alarms.

[N. A. Corbier]

Detention guards/officers are sworn in your state?

Some are sworn, some are non sworn. It depends on how pissed off the deputies get when they find out the sworn detention officers can take their prisoner transport short-calls away from them.

In Florida, however, Wackenhut Private Corrections Officers are sworn, as are all correctional deputies. There is no such thing as a "jailer," or non-sworn detention officer.

[P68]

Major metro hospital. 20 officers per shift.

[CAR54]

Unarmed bank guard.

I work in a rough neighborhood spending most of the day standing outside by the banks front door with a big bullseye painted on my back.

It's actually pretty dangerous, if I stand TO CLOSE to the door I can get hit by it when it swings opens. And it takes brains too, if I'm standing TO FAR from the door I can't always reach it in time if someone needs help opening it. If we reach it at the same time, it can GET UGLY. Really keeps me on my toes. I generally try to open the door for old ladies, and old men, and busty women, and pretty much everyone else. Until I get tired, then I pretty much ignore everyone.

Though it probably sounds exciting it's actually the dullest job I've ever had. There's a big digital clock across the street (at another bank) and I spend most of the day staring at it. 2:56....2:56...............2:56.................2: 57 (yippee!)..............2:57.............(you get the idea).

I'll probably ask for a transfer soon to a post that actually requires me to do SOMETHING.

[davido]

Corporate. work downtown, lots of pretty girls etc.

[pfd1615]

Community Patrol Supervisor at a Resort Community. When development is done it will be 499 acres, 1 Main Gate Officer, and 2 patrol officers per shift.

[EMTGuard]

A little over a year ago I was at a Chemical Plant. Pretty good assignment. I'm now at a Steel Mill which is much smaller than I'm used to but I have a lot more medical calls so I do very little patrol/rounds compared to the chemical plant post. One EMT and One Security Officer on at all times.

[young_buck]

I am a Security Officer out of a Hospital in Canada.

[bumpo]

Hello all. I'm new here.


I work at apartment complexes in a wild college town(Gainesville). Its quite surreal. One minute Ill be kicking a drunk spoiled jerk out of my complex, the next minute I will be talking to gorgeous female residents who are flirting with me. During football season its rarely boring.
Its a huge change from working car lots, construction sites, in N.Y.S.

[Echos13]

Going on 5 years as a Private Protection Officer. Covering areas for ATM companies and a few Jewelry firms.

[talon]

I am a Special Police Officer in my homestate. I work nightclubs mostly and do some personal protection.

[N. A. Corbier]

Going on 5 years as a Private Protection Officer. Covering areas for ATM companies and a few Jewelry firms.

Protection Officer? Say, do you happen to work for an outfit that wears a 7 point star with a circle around it, and has a latin phrase on their center seal?

[Echos13]

Protection Officer? Say, do you happen to work for an outfit that wears a 7 point star with a circle around it, and has a latin phrase on their center seal?

No sir, but I think I know who you are referring too. We don't have badges since the company?s conception but we do have a very distinctive logo. We all carry generic badges just to make the public at ease. The management has considered badges (fabric or tin) but getting a custom badge made is not cheap. I even designed a few that were very dynamic but again way to expensive so it?s on the back burner for now. We are a modest small company. That?s all we do, nothing more for the exception that we have our own firearms instructors and investigations which the management staff does. As much as I like the job I am thinking of moving on though.

[Charger]

Currently, I protect a large apartment community... in a town overrun with gangs & meth.... keeps me busy... lol

[N. A. Corbier]

No sir, but I think I know who you are referring too. We don't have badges since the company?s conception but we do have a very distinctive logo. We all carry generic badges just to make the public at ease. The management has considered badges (fabric or tin) but getting a custom badge made is not cheap. I even designed a few that were very dynamic but again way to expensive so it?s on the back burner for now. We are a modest small company. That?s all we do, nothing more for the exception that we have our own firearms instructors and investigations which the management staff does. As much as I like the job I am thinking of moving on though.

Is it me, or does EVERYONE know who I'm talking about? I had a guy from Georgia ask me if I was one of their former employees. Right off the bat, because I carried a gun and knew what I was talking about.

Um, your boss should look at Quartermaster. I'm more worried about custom shoulder patches (required by WI law), than custom badges. I can get a custom badge with all the bling I want for about 45-85 a pop. Its the shoulder patches with the 500-1000 piece minimums that are going to hurt the most.

That, and the collar brass. Its cheapest when you buy it bulk, say, 12-24 units at a time, instead of one at a time from Galls or something.

[Echos13]

Is it me, or does EVERYONE know who I'm talking about? I had a guy from Georgia ask me if I was one of their former employees. Right off the bat, because I carried a gun and knew what I was talking about.

Um, your boss should look at Quartermaster. I'm more worried about custom shoulder patches (required by WI law), than custom badges. I can get a custom badge with all the bling I want for about 45-85 a pop. Its the shoulder patches with the 500-1000 piece minimums that are going to hurt the most.

That, and the collar brass. Its cheapest when you buy it bulk, say, 12-24 units at a time, instead of one at a time from Galls or something.

I am not sure of the latin wording the badge but I do recall the 7 point star with a large greek font letter on it. While covering an ATM call one evening I observed an officer standing at the entrance at one of the jewelry stores at one of the larger Debartolo malls. His badge was a 7 point but never got close enough to see the patch. I was surprised to see a private sector person at a jewelry store. They usually hire off duty police for that. We have gotten offers to do that at night when these places were closed for inventory but it was an unarmed assignment. I passed on those. There are a lot of guard firms tyring to slip into this field now, and it's making us nervous. Quartermaster, I have seen their catalogs before. I will put a ?bug? in the boss?s ear. But at the rate we are going right now I will be lucky to keep my vehicle by next year. We get all our logos embroidered on our clothes. On high profile jobs we do have printed logo/name and title along the back of jackets, shirts and caps (I hate caps personally).

[N. A. Corbier]

Interesting. My former employer had several jewlery stores, the reason being that you don't need a police officer to stop a robbery - its less enforcement of law, and more protection of assets. Its nice to have immunity from criminal/civil prosecution while shooting back at the bad guy, but when it comes down to it: Your deterrant function comes from the fact that you will either kill the robber, wound the robber, or summon MORE people to kill the robber/wound the robber.

Embroidery, eh? Interesting. The only embroidery I thought of was 6.95 custom badges and 4.95 embroidered nameplates on BDUs and Polos, for special assignment purposes where the hard police uniform is either too much or not enough. Otherwise, shoulder patches and hard badges on the regular uniforms.

Oh, yeah. When I say "not enough," I mean that the ghetto where the police don't even like to go, the regular uniform is replaced with BDUs and an M4 in addition to the 9mm. If your going to visually intimidate someone, do it with an M16. Just remember to make sure the person carrying the M16 can shoot at expert level. :) And assign more than one. :)

[Mr. Security]

I'm more worried about custom shoulder patches (required by WI law), than custom badges. I can get a custom badge with all the bling I want for about 45-85 a pop. Its the shoulder patches with the 500-1000 piece minimums that are going to hurt the most.

I know GALLS isn't your favorite store. However their minimum order was 150 shoulder patches, if I remember correctly. I had to order them for my company. As you stated, the patches aren't cheap, but I don't need 500 patches. :eek:

[N. A. Corbier]

I know GALLS isn't your favorite store. However their minimum order was 150 shoulder patches, if I remember correctly. I had to order them for my company. As you stated, the patches aren't cheap, but I don't need 500 patches. :eek:

Galls isn't my favorite store because they overprice alot of their gear and equipment, and rebrand everything they can get their hands on at an inflated price. However, I do love it when people tell me things like that. Galls dosen't put out how much shoulder patches are, their minimums, etc. Just "inquire."

Thanks. I'll look into it.

And, no, I don't need 500 patches, either. That would be 250 shirts, jackets, and windbreakers. That's alot of patches.

[hospitalsecurityguy]

Hospital Security Officer, 26+ years

[hemi444]

Galls isn't my favorite store because they overprice alot of their gear and equipment, and rebrand everything they can get their hands on at an inflated price. However, I do love it when people tell me things like that. Galls dosen't put out how much shoulder patches are, their minimums, etc. Just "inquire."

Thanks. I'll look into it.

And, no, I don't need 500 patches, either. That would be 250 shirts, jackets, and windbreakers. That's alot of patches.

May I suggest www.striechers.com I am not sure if they have what you are looking for but something to browse around.

[N. A. Corbier]

May I suggest www.striechers.com I am not sure if they have what you are looking for but something to browse around.

I have a Striechers Buying Guide right here. I need to redesign the patch anyway, it looks too much like Metro Racine's with that blue background.

[hemi444]

I have a Striechers Buying Guide right here.

I only wish that tehy were local... I think I would go bankrupt

[N. A. Corbier]

I only wish that tehy were local... I think I would go bankrupt

They are local to me, sorta. Milwaukee. Are these prices really good? I think I'll do a uniform spreadsheet.

I also want to know if those weapon prices are for LE agencies, or for any agency. Hell, I'll buy a new Glock for four something.

[hemi444]

They are local to me, sorta. Milwaukee. Are these prices really good? I think I'll do a uniform spreadsheet.

I also want to know if those weapon prices are for LE agencies, or for any agency. Hell, I'll buy a new Glock for four something.
If you have a dealers permit you can buy anything from the gun dept, or not unless your company has an armory that can purchase for you.
:eek: http://www.clicksmilies.com/s0105/waffen/violent-smiley-007.gif

[N. A. Corbier]

If you have a dealers permit you can buy anything from the gun dept, or not unless your company has an armory that can purchase for you.
:eek: http://www.clicksmilies.com/s0105/waffen/violent-smiley-007.gif

You just need a ATF Firearms Dealer's permit, or someone with a Firearm Dealer's permit to effect the transfer and final sale? That's what I thought. Thanks. :)

From what I understand, getting a ATF dealer's permit is getting harder. You usually have to have a storefront, and have a real dealer operation. There are those who are grandfathered in, though.

I wanted to call it a Class III, but I forgot what class the dealer's permit is. My father used to own a reloading business, and that's where I learned about the ATF.

[ACP01]

May I suggest www.striechers.com I am not sure if they have what you are looking for but something to browse around.
I tried this link but it was a no-go. Any help anyone?

[N. A. Corbier]

I tried this link but it was a no-go. Any help anyone?

From their catalog:
www.streichers.com

I tried to look something up last night, their search feature is totally screwed up. Keeps returning body armor, no matter what you search for. I was not impressed.

Their item numbers drive me insane, though. Here's an example of a good one:
SA-XD45G.FS - Springfield XD ($435 Officer, $395 Dept)
VSP-DYN.A - CPI Com-Pak Speaker in Aluminum

WTF is VSP? Make sense, people.

[ACP01]

Thank you N.A.
That on eworked .
I will check it out later

[Brent311]

I am currently a security officer at a grade K-12 upscale preparatory school. The parking lot is slap full of BMW's, Mercedes, Lexus, etc. These kids have money! It is just across the line from the not so good part of town, so for the thug car thiefs it is like a candy store. I am authorized to carry a firearm and OC spray. And since the police response time in Jackson, MS is about as fast as sending a U.S. mail package from NY to Cali., we actually have a lot going on. We have a good working relationship with the JPD, but if something happens, we are for the most part on our own for 30-45 minutes.

[N. A. Corbier]

I am currently a security officer at a grade K-12 upscale preparatory school. The parking lot is slap full of BMW's, Mercedes, Lexus, etc. These kids have money! It is just across the line from the not so good part of town, so for the thug car thiefs it is like a candy store. I am authorized to carry a firearm and OC spray. And since the police response time in Jackson, MS is about as fast as sending a U.S. mail package from NY to Cali., we actually have a lot going on. We have a good working relationship with the JPD, but if something happens, we are for the most part on our own for 30-45 minutes.

Got armor? Quartermaster's. 200 bucks for Level II armor. Wear it.

[Brent311]

Are you serious? Only $200? Wow I really need to look into that. Plus, since our security company is paid by the school and the parents that want to keep their kids and cars safe, my boss reimburses me for anything job related(gun excluded). I had not put much thought into body armor thinking it was much more expensive!

[Mr. Security]

..... my boss reimburses me for anything job related(gun excluded). I had not put much thought into body armor thinking it was much more expensive!

If that's the case, ask him if he would be willing to pay for the difference between Level II and III-A. :)

[N. A. Corbier]

If that's the case, ask him if he would be willing to pay for the difference between Level II and III-A. :)

If your being rembursed, go with something OTHER than Duty Pro. Safariland makes nice vests in their Matrix and Zero-G lines. PACA does, as well.

[Brent311]

How many of you guys wear body armor? There are not a whole lot of people in the security business where I live that do wear it, which I think is ironic considering security officers are often posted at places in the late night hours that even police officers wouldn't go! Of course, if you know anything about Jackson, MS that covers a lot of area! Haha I guess another reson is that many do not get paid enough to purchase it since their companies do not provide anything of that nature.

[OccamsRazor]

I wear my Zero-G everyday, the vest provided by my company (the cheapest they could find, but still within union rules) stays in the closet. I even wore it on unarmed work.

Vests are like guns, you may never need one until you need it very badly.

[1stWatch]

I wear a Point Blank level IIIA vest. At one point in time I was wearing a Second Chance level IIA vest, but at that time I was unarmed. Since I started carrying, the vest was upgraded. Most experts recommended to me to wear a vest that can absorb a bullet of the same caliber I carry, since I would be most likely to get shot by my own weapon if at all. Considering the shootings I've seen around where I work though, I would recommend a level IIIA vest for anybody since the bad guys have their own weapons and calibers such as .357MAG and .45ACP are commonly bought and carried by private citizens and criminals alike.

[EMTGuard]

How many of you guys wear body armor? . Nobody I work with wears it that I know of.
I have an old Second Chance Level II vest from back in the days I worked as an Auxillary cop but it's WAY out of date. I never wear it and it's probably laying in the back of my closet.

[Mr. Security]

I thought about it, but haven't acted on it yet for a number of reasons:

- Cost
- Post location
- Company policy
- State regulation. Some states have laws regarding wearing it.

One thing is for sure. If I ever work mall or hospital security, I WILL wear it. I do have a level IIIA clipboard that can be used as a last resort to save my life.

[jakeslife]

I'm the Lead Officer on graves in our Patrol/Alarm Response division.

*scheduled patrol checks
*City Parks contracts (open, closing, and patrolling)
*residential communities (noise complaints, lockout service, trespassers, parking enforcement in their area)
*armed escort service for client employees late at night
*commercial and residential burglar alarms for ADT and several other monitors
*low income housing area patrol and lock out service

[Marriott S/O]

I work for the marriott hotel, 10p-6a

[bigdog]

currently im unarmed at a section 8 housing complex

[Sierra 1]

SRT Supervisor (Sgt. Security Police OfficerIII) /USDOE-National Security Complex

[crankloud]

I work in a psyciatric ward in a hospital.35 patients, 6 care level 2 patients (one on one.) Never a dull moment.

[ycaso77]

University security at a bastion of liberal anti-american rhetoric. 80 odd cops, 120 or so security officers, another 60 security in small university kingdoms desperately fighting off being absorbed............ahhhhhhhhhhh paradise!

[HotelSecurity]

Been doing hotel security since 1977.

I cover the 3pm to 11pm shift usually alone at a 500 room downtown Montreal hotel. (I do the regular security duties).

I am also the Assistant Director for this & 2 smaller side-by-side hotels out by the airport.

My boss works directly for the owner of the 3 hotels & has many other duties so most of the management of security at the hotels is up to me. A good thing however is that it is my boss who has to deal with the 3 General Managers, Vice President of hotel operations & owner, not me :D

[wjohnc]

I've been involved in the security industry for 11 years, including 4 as an LPO. Since 01 December I'm a security guard in a grocery store, but - but - my job is the deterrence of theives. I do that not by walking around like a sign with legs, but by active deterrence; I walk up to and talk with thieves if I can (embarrassing or outright humiliating them if necessary), if I can't I make my presence very well known by making eye contact and by exaggerating my looking at their bags, or pockets, or whatever they have with them, or some other method that both makes my intention of stopping them unmistakable, and shows that I am not just another SG - my confidence and skill will conquer cowards and thieves. :D

Many LPOs say that "retailers should focus more on preventing the problem before entering the store, rather than trying chase the problem out the door", and that is exactly what I do.
And here's the bonus: both my employer and the client have given permission for me to arrest if I want, which I have done. But deterrence is both more fun and a whole helluva lot safer. :)

wjohnc

[ycaso77]

We should take sometime, it sounds like we're working in the same place! :eek:

It's an interesting place to work once you get over the culture shock, I would guess you're a college employee too?

[ycaso77]

Yes, I work at a college - an extremely sickeningly liberal college, I should add.

I'll see your liberals and raise you 10,000 rabid left wingers....... Yale University!

[ozsecuritychic]

i work at 2 malls,
done pub work
guarded hsc papers
cash in transit
worked security at big functions.

[tlangsr]

I currently do security for a television station

[james2go30]

I am a Lt. and do security for condominiums here the sunny state of Florida, pride and Joy. It has its moments unfourtunately.

[Lawson]

Im currently at a psychiatric ward facility. Good pay, great benefits, good hours, but it is usually very dull and very boring here with spurs of stuff to do every once in a while, makes for long night usually.

I'm constantly looking for something with better pay and more stuff to do. I would like to get an actual armed job somewhere. I have been keeping an eye on both the Tacoma School District Patrol and the Port of Tacoma Patrol, both being Armed Security with law enforcement authority. Im also constantly watching places like colleges, apartment complexes, gated communities, etc... I would love work in a facility like that, one where I can be reactive and proactive alike as well as being well equipped and trained to handle threats and problems, unfortunately, work like that seems far and few between in this area. :(

[tlangsr]

I would like to become a peace officer and then own my own security Co. but I still have quite a bit to learn before then.

[Crimkeeper1]

I have worked as a USAF Security Policeman. Then on an in-house force for a government research facility (excellent job, really miss it), then worked campus security for a short time. I am now working corrections.

[Qarlo X64]

Well I kind of covered this in my "Hello" thread in the Introductions section but here for the record. I'm a PSO working for a PSC (Private Security Contractor) that fields both PSOs as well as reserve PO/LEOs. Posts can vary from strictly O&R gigs to CRE and range from Construction Sites, Construction Zones, Banks and Credit Unions, College Campus w. Campus Police, Government Housing & APT Complexes, Office Parks and High Rises, Shopping Centres (Vehicle Patrol usually) and up scale gated communites.

It's nice to have a wide variety of posts, but I'm a field grunt and not so much the glossy shoe types in the high rises where a lot of guff is given by hoity toity types who have no operational authority over you but like to act like their stuff don't stink. I prefer walking patrol beats of O&R/CRE on Construction Zones and Government Housing complexes where one can breathe fresh air, help people out from time to time with problems de-escalating situations to where LEO involvement isn't neccessary and get compliance from all per the site's regs. Most S/Os I know usually don't make it very long in those enviorments as it's either too troublesome due to the 5% bad apples at every place, or they prefer air conditioning... so me and a few others who "hold it down" as the chief likes to say, get to work those posts. Most I've found want the golf cart gigs and credit unions where you stand around in one (of a few) places for a 12 to 14 hour shift and your knees lock up and it's just all around stuffy.
:cool:

[SecureTN]

Am now working in Corrections, 3rd Shift in a Maximum Security Housing Unit