Howdy from Las Vegas

[jchernic]

...just joined this discussion group and look forward to an exchange of practical information. With about 35 years in the security industry as a consultant, private detective, writer, and security trainer, I'm always looking for interesting discussions about this important field which too many people do not appreciate. Check out my web site at http://jcsl2s.com

[Curtis Baillie]

Welcome. I looked at your site as I also provide security related Expert Witness and litigation support - although my focus is much narrower than yours appears to be. I see your court testimony is focused here on the East coast.

[jchernic]

Howdy

Well, Curtis, I would say that the bulk of my work was on the East Coast, but the work I had over the past 15 years was between Nevada, New Mexico, and Washington. One thing is for sure, and I may just be assuming this, is that the expert work was more enjoyable in the East than here in the West because trial lawyers, and many defense attorneys, prone to be more aggressive/assertive in the East than in the West. But then, that's just my opinion.

These days I reckon I'm more retired than anything else, 'though I still provide some consult to attorneys in specific cases. If you think, at any time, I may have information which can be of help, let me know - I maintain a fair size library, including , of course, books, but also papers, cases, videos, etc.

Thanks for your contact, and enjoy...

[Curtis Baillie]

I also have an extensive library and enjoy access to the IAPSC library.

[jchernic]

Information

Every expert should have a good working library, and be willing to share information, especially if the expert is involved in training, audits, and so forth...the days of the "secret spy" attitude should no longer be extant...

[HotelSecurity]

Welcome! I've also been in the business for about 35 years. Most in hotels.

[jchernic]

35 Years - Hotel security

So tell me, after 35 years in this business, have you found any change in attitude towards security operations, either from the proprietary, contract , or public perception(s)? I see that you're in Canada, and your sig line is that you enforce regulations not laws, and I understand what you mean, but isn't it important to understand what decisions have come down re: hotel security , or are practices different in our northern neighbor?

[5423]

Welcome! It's nice to see another Nevadan here; I think you make three of us now.

[HotelSecurity]

So tell me, after 35 years in this business, have you found any change in attitude towards security operations, either from the proprietary, contract , or public perception(s)? I see that you're in Canada, and your sig line is that you enforce regulations not laws, and I understand what you mean, but isn't it important to understand what decisions have come down re: hotel security , or are practices different in our northern neighbor?

Unfortunately most of the changes have been for the worse. When I started in the business almost all of the major Montreal hotels had In-House 24 hour a day security departments. Over the years contract companies have taken over most of the hotels. (Not mine). A difference here is that contract security agents are either unionized or have to be paid a set wage, set by the government. In-House departments can be paid whatever the owner wants to pay as long as it is above minimum wage. The contract people are making $14.50/hour. The people at my downtown hotel & 1 by the airport are making just above this. People at my other airport hotel are making $12/hour.

Of the hotels in the downtown area I can now count on 1 hand those that still have a 24 hour security department, either contract or in-house.

Generally there have been few decisions re hotel security in Canada. We tend to have a ,lot less lawsuits than in the US & the judgements are forway less money. Canada has very low punitive charges in civil lawsuits. If a person gets hurt in an hotel & wins a lawsuit they can get their medical bills paid (remembering that we have universal health care paid by the government), loss of wages but very little for pain & suffering etc.

[jchernic]

Hoel Security - Canada

Your description shows why Canada is not a particularly good area for premises liability attorneys...and, unfortunately, it appears that the general security attitude is not much better than here in the States.A tough job in an under appreciated profession