California Security News

Working Unarmed on New Years Eve?

I just got asked by a part-time employer to work an account on New Years Eve.  The owner of the company is a good guy and, being that I had nothing else planned, I would say yes, but he asked me to work unarmed.  Worse yet the site is a low-income project and he wants me to work unarmed.

Those who know me know that I refuse to work in uniform unarmed.  It’s an insult to me and my professionalism.  The idea that someone will expect me to wear a uniform and enforce rules but not give me the basic tools to defend my life is horrible.  I care about my family and I want the tools I need to make it home safely.  I would say no to the gig right away, but I feel like I owe the owner of this company some gratitude.

My full-time job has me on night shift and rotating days off.  I like to keep my night schedule on my days off and I figured if I am up all night might as well get paid; so I decided to find a part-time employer for my days off and I found one that has been good to me for almost three years.  I applied to work there with a clear understanding that I only wear a uniform if I carry a firearm.  It has never really been an issue yet.

Now I have some quick thinking to do.  I want to reward my part-time employer’s loyalty to me; however I abhor the idea of working the projects without the ability to protect myself if things go very bad.

My opinion on Armed Vs. Unamred

7 Security Companies in 2 Months Get Fined by BSIS

Just in the months of February and March of this year, seven security companies were cited by BSIS for having employees without proper security registration.  In all but one of these violations the fine was $5000 or more.  It looks as though BSIS is finally doing their part to professionalize our industry.  I only hope that our governor fulfills his promise and hires even more BSIS investigators.

The following is a list of the companies that received fines for skimping on employee registrations for the months of Feb. and Mar. 2008:

• Knight Shield
• United Protective Services
• Veteran Security
• Venco Security Patrol Service
• RJ Security Services, Inc.
• VSP Private Security Agency
• Cinema Security

I found an article published by the Battle Creek Enquirer about an interview with a security professional.  If the fact that someone cared to interview a security person isn't odd enough, the article doesn't poke fun at our profession! Ed Bickford was the person interviewed and he seemed very professional. I encourage you to check out this article here.

CALSAGA is hosting two meal and rest break seminars

As a reminder, CALSAGA is hosting two meal and rest break seminars on Tuesday, February 12 at the Hyatt Sacramento and Wednesday, February 13 at the Sheraton Cerritos.  I recommend PPO's to attend; if you are interested you can contact the CALSAGA office at (916) 930-0552. Click here to download an invitation that was mailed to all PPOs in California.  There you will find useful information on cost, location and a list of confirmed speakers.

Armed Vs. Unarmed Security

A hot topic of debate between private security professionals is which type of service to employ; armed or unarmed security.  Which service is better?  A scapegoat answer would be to say that depends on the situation.  In some cases that may be so; however in most situations armed security is much more effective and lower in liability concerns than unarmed.

The first mission for uniformed security is deterrence.  Well uniformed, trained, and armed security exhibits much more of a command presence than unnamed.  I have worked both armed and unarmed contracts for many years and I have found that the public trusts and respects armed security much more.  When working armed more people are willing to ask help and take direction from me.

Armed security personnel feel better equipped and will be much more confident in the field.  Sometimes walking up to a small group of criminals and engaging in conversation is more than enough to prevent a crime.  Unarmed security is much less likely to move out of a comfort zone and engage criminals before a crime happens.  After a crime, the armed security officer is much more equipped to handle the situation, if required by the client.  In no way is unarmed security able to provide any other function than observe and report.

The most obvious observation is that armed security is much more equipped to protect him/her self and the public.  Because of the threat of escalation of force by the criminals unarmed security is lacking in the ultimate ability to meet force with force if need be.  Also for the most part armed security officers have more experience and training than the unnamed type.  Some of the best private security officers refuse to work unarmed because they have invested too much time in training than to not be permitted the equipment needed to protect themselves.

At least this is my opinion, if you wish please leave me yours as well.

Meal Breaks

It’s apparent to me that may security employers don’t understand, or follow the California Rules for meal and rest periods for their employees. To put it simple if you work over five hours in a day, you are entitled to a 30 minute meal period. During this meal period you need to be relived of all duties to include listening to the radio or answering the phone and you must be allowed to leave the site.

Because of the nature of or work in security the meal period may be waived, but only if it is agreed to in writing by both the employee and employer. It the meal period is waived, you must still be allowed to sit down and eat, but may be on-call or required to remain on post, this is called an on-duty meal period. If your meal period is taken on-duty the employee must be paid for it. Either party may revoke this waiver at any time.