Category: SECURITY TRAINING

January 5th, 2021 by Texasnews

“Can I save money opting for in-house security versus hiring a contracted security staff?” That question has entered the minds of more than 50% of clients who have a security provider.

At one time or another, businesses have toyed with the idea of running their own In-house security program instead of contracting out with a security provider.

To potentially cut out extra charges and higher rates and be in direct control of all aspects of the security program, to include the hiring and management process, seems cost-effective to have an in-house staff until you factor in what having your own guard force entails.

In-house Security Versus Contracted Security

Let’s do some math here = Calculators out…Cost of inhouse vs contracted security

Each guard must be trained, certified, and licensed with the state which will also include their required background check; fees will be added per guard.

You, as a private business, will have to submit a request and seek permission/authorization to run your own private security force which, if approved, you will receive a “Letter of Authority;”  this will require additional fees, forms, proof of insurance, and an on-site security manager that has recognized experience.

Wait

There are uniform expenses, Workers Compensation, Unemployment, Payroll taxes, overtime, drug testing, employment advertising and processing; and the list goes on and on… AND, don’t forget administration time or the cost to pay someone else to oversee all of this.

Can businesses save more using their own security versus hiring contracted security?

Prepare to have extra staff on board when the in-house guards call off or call in sick.

Hiring security Austin TexasAn “in-house” security service program may give you more direct control, but it is at a price of both time and money; bottom line, it is not cheaper if you are paying all your taxes, fees, and all aforementioned costs. Just the hiring/firing and training process is time-consuming and an added stress for any business.

The Age of Litigation

If you’re “in-house” guards have an injury or unemployment claim/lawsuit, it will directly affect your insurance, as you have no outside contractor to act as the buffer on those issues, to include liability claims – something to ponder!

A business won’t generally have insurance that covers security operations; once the business notifies the insurance company, rates will definitely increase.

Security WarningNote: Insurance costs are already factored in the hourly rate of a contracted security service; so when a client hires a private security company they have to keep in mind that a lot goes on behind the scenes to ensure everything runs properly, and that is why the rates are higher than that of a direct wage for an in-house employee.

It actually costs YOU more to run an in-house security operation, as YOU have to pay for all the costs that the private security company would normally pay.

…The scale is tipping.

In some cases an in-house security program or one that combines both may be the better choice, but for the majority, an outsourced contractor is efficient and less perplexed.

What’s the most affordable private contracted security service?

A contracted security service can be tailored to your needs and you won’t have to worry about all of the intricate details, just hire and go!

If you want more involvement in the hiring and screening process of the security staff that will be at your location, let your security provider know and insist on an interview with the guard(s) before they are placed on your property.

If you want daily security meetings/contact, updates, or maybe even an onsite supervisor on the property, advise your security provider of your terms. You can also have your own Director of security and insist that your security provider place him on location as site/post commander.

Ditch the in-house security “thought” and call on SRS Services; we will show you just how contracted security is not only cheaper but better than in-house security.

 

Posted in BODYGUARDS, BUSINESS SECURITY, SECURITY GUARDS, SECURITY MANAGEMENT, SECURITY TRAINING Tagged with: , , , , , ,

December 13th, 2020 by Texasnews

Can armed security guards provide service in a night club or bar? That has been a question floating around the security guard industry for many, many years. Some guard companies have declined business because of this; some companies have been reported because of this; even law enforcement was unsure if and how to enforce this.

Texas Penal Code section 46.02 (a-2) (c ) Unlawful Carry of Weapons: An offense under this section is a felony of the third degree if the offense is committed on any premises licensed or issued a permit by this state for the sale of alcoholic beverages.

However…

According to Merideth Muñoz, TABC Information Officer, the Security Laws Texasfollowing code overrides and provides an exemption to security against being in violation of TPC 46.02.

 

Can armed guards work in clubsIs it Legal for Armed Security Guards to Work in Clubs?

Texas Penal Code Sec. 46.15. NON-APPLICABILITY

(a) Sections 46.02 and 46.03 do not apply to peace officers and neither section prohibits a peace officer from carrying a weapon in this state, regardless of whether the officer is engaged in the actual discharge of the officer’s duties while carrying the weapon.

(a) [amended 9/1/97] Sections 46.02 and 46.03 do not apply to:

(1) peace officers and neither section prohibits a peace officer from carrying a weapon in this state, regardless of whether the officer is engaged in the actual discharge of the officer’s duties while carrying the weapon;

(b) Section 46.02 does not apply to a person who: Private Property

(2) is on the person’s own premises or premises under the person’s control , the person is an employee or agent of the owner of the premises and the person’s primary responsibility is to act in the capacity of a security guard to protect persons or property, in which event the person must comply with Subdivision (5);

 (5) holds a security officer commission issued by the Texas Board of Private Investigators and Private Security Agencies, if:

(A) the person is engaged in the performance of the person’s duties as a security officer or traveling to and from the person’s place of assignment;

(B) the person is wearing a distinctive uniform; and

(C) the weapon is in plain view;

(7) holds a security officer commission and a personal protection authorization issuedArmed security in bars

by the Texas Board of Private Investigators and Private Security Agencies and who is providing personal protection under the Private Investigators and Private Security Agencies Act (Article 4413(29bb), Vernon’s Texas Civil Statutes); or

(8) holds an alcoholic beverage permit or license or is an employee of a holder of an alcoholic beverage permit or license if the person is supervising the operation of the permitted or licensed premises.

 And there you have it in Black and White!

It is NOT a violation…  

Legal for armed guards to work in barsArmed security guards can legally provide service in a night club or bar.

Bar or Night Club Owner: Still Apprehensive?

Not sure if TABC will cancel your permit for allowing firearms in your bar or club, (which is normally a violation)?

Sec. 11.61 CANCELLATION OR SUSPENSION OF PERMIT

(e) Except as provided by Subsection (f) or (i), the commission or administrator shall cancel an original or renewal permit if it is found, after notice and hearing, that the permittee knowingly allowed a person to possess a firearm in a building on the licensed premises.

This subsection does not apply to a person:

(1) who holds a security officer commission issued under Chapter 1702, Occupations Code, if:

(A) the person is engaged in the performance of the person’s duties as a security officer;

(B) the person is wearing a distinctive uniform; and

(C) the weapon is in plain view;

No worriesNo worries…

Your bar is covered and protected, and the “licensed, armed security guard” is protected as well under these codes.

With that said: what are you waiting for… 

SRS is more than happy to service your bar, club or event, trouble-free; our security officers can legally work inside your bar or club with NO violation at all. Give us a call now!

Posted in BODYGUARDS, BUSINESS SECURITY, SECURITY GUARDS, SECURITY LAWS & REGULATIONS, SECURITY TRAINING, SPECIAL EVENT SECURITY Tagged with: , , , , ,

Licensing for Security Texas
October 14th, 2020 by Texasnews

When visiting a night club or bar, or attending an event, you tend to see bouncers and event security staff. Most concerts and special events have a number of individuals that can be spotted in event or security T-shirts. The question is: Are there security license requirements for bouncers, event security, bar and nightclub security?

It takes much more than a person putting on a shirt that reads “security” to become or act in Security Licensethe capacity of a security officer. Proper training, education and licensing is “required” in order for anyone to perform the duties or present themselves as a guard.

Is a security license required to work security in Texas?

In the state of Texas, it is a criminal offense to carry out any scope of service regarding security-related work without a license – this includes courtesy officers, event staff, and bouncers; if individuals are caught, they can be arrested.

Security licensing requirementsOCC §1702.3875. IMPERSONATING SECURITY OFFICER; OFFENSE.

“A person commits an offense if the person: (1) impersonates a commissioned or non-commissioned security officer with the intent to induce another to submit to the person’s pretended authority or to rely on the person’s pretended acts of a security officer; or

(2) knowingly purports to exercise any function that requires registration as a non-commissioned security officer or a security officer commission. (b) An offense under this section is a Class A misdemeanor.”

“In Texas, class A misdemeanors are punishable by up to one year in jail, a fine of up to $4,000, or both jail time and a fine.”

Some club owners/managers and event planners don’t see the potential threat of what could go wrong if patrons or event goers are injured or claim “assault” by any of their security staff members performing guard detail without licensing.

Class A MisdemeanorIn this day and age, lawsuits are flying everywhere; it behooves all parties involved to spend the extra time and money necessary to obtain all that is required to become a security officer or have those providing security services legally licensed.

Your establishment or brand (e.g. event/wedding planners) could end before it even takes off; you could be slapped with both criminal and civil suits, and the individuals acting as guards could face imprisonment and so on…

The reputation of a business is completely tarnished once the rumor mill begins about lawsuits filed against the business and unlicensed guards arrested for alleged assaults and wrongful detainment, etc.

Nightclub security license requirements in Texas

Club sued for bouncer assaulting patron

In the news:

A nightclub bouncer of San Antonio was arrested for using excessive force. He was charged with aggravated assault (a 2nd degree felony) and may face up to twenty years in prison.

More Security News:Security Guard News Texas

A bouncer was arrested for allegedly stabbing a patron; he was charged with aggravated assault.

Security license requirements for bouncers and event staff in Texas

security training AustinFormal training will greatly reduce the odds of having overzealous guards at your establishment; it will also provide them with the necessary skills to be able to respond correctly when met with unruly individuals.

Some of the most valuable lessons are learned in hindsight; however, businesses who hire “security” and those whom assume the duties of security officers can’t afford to approach this situation in hindsight. Ensure all those who are performing guard work are licensed to do so.

If you are unclear of laws and regulations and would like more information on licensing requirements, contact SRS Services for security consultation.

Posted in BODYGUARDS, BUSINESS SECURITY, PERSONAL SECURITY, SECURITY GUARDS, SECURITY LAWS & REGULATIONS, SECURITY MANAGEMENT, SECURITY TRAINING, SPECIAL EVENT SECURITY Tagged with: , , , , , ,

Security job tips
August 11th, 2020 by Texasnews

Security jobs are easy to come by; with the population growing, increase in businesses, and unfortunately, increase in crime, guard companies are often in need of security officers. So what sets one guard apart from the other? Exactly how do companies go about selecting security guards? When looking for security jobs, here are a few pointers to assist you:

  • Everything is a test! security jobSecurity employment tips

Every step after your initial contact is a Test – starting with your application continuing on throughout your interview… Be sure to Pass!

Guard managers look at everything you do following the initial contact (but not excluding it): from showing up on time, to your appearance, how you fill out the application, how you communicate, how you follow instructions, if you have a great attitude (or not), and so on.

Security employment tips outlined

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xk86KiVQyw0

  • Fully Understand the Position You are Applying For

Guard companies will specify exactly the position they have available to offer along with shifts, specific locations, hourly rates, etc.; be sure you are able to cover the shifts outlined by the company so that you aren’t wasting your time or that of the guard company’s.

  • Seek Training From Security Schools or Training Academies Prior to Employment

Having prior training and experience helps you land a job as a security officer but some companies don’t require it; meaning, you don’t have to possess skills coming through the door, they may train you in-house (at their establishment) or have you receive training at a security training academysecurity training for guards

One Caveat Here: Not all training is created equal! Do your due diligence before signing up with any academy or security guard school.

  • Dress to Impress – Appearance Matters

If you think for a second that coming to an interview in sweat pants or your hair untamed as if you just rolled out of bed and into the interview, you’re in trouble. Well-groomed, clean-shaven, in business casual attire is always the way to go.

Key Factors to help you get a security job

  • Arrive on Time

security employment advice for guard jobsThis is a test in itself. If you were given a time to show up for your interview, be sure to get to the location on time. Most guard managers will use this as a gauge to determine if you’ll arrive on a client’s property late as well.

To be on the safe side, arrive ten to fifteen minutes early. You are trying to make a good first impression so why not show your future employer that you are prompt.

  • Have a Great Attitude – and Confidence

A great attitude will take you far; again, this is one of those things guard managers look for. Will you greet the guard company’s clients with smiles, empathy, and genuine care or will you have a negative, non-approachable aura?confidence

The guard industry can use some work in the customer service department, so those candidates who possess great attitudes will be a much better fit than someone showing up with a bad attitude, grumpy, and complaints about everything. Even if the applicant has prior training and experience, a bad attitude will cost him a security job. Bad attitudes are toxic in this profession… well, any profession.

  • Exercise Great Communication Skills

Talking over, interrupting, and over explaining isn’t the way to go when seeking security employment. Listen, and once the interviewer or guard manager is done speaking, then add your words or answer any questions. It isn’t a good look for you to easily anger or go into Austin security trainingdebate mood when asked questions that need clarification on your application.

  • Ask Questions

If you are unclear about the position being offered, the starting rate, shifts, pay, etc., ask questions before moving forward; this will save you and your future employer lots of time… you have to speak up.

  • Never Leave Areas of the Application Blank

Come to the interview prepared with prior employment addresses/names, references, and any additional documentation such as training certificates or licenses. Have integrity. Make sure you’re not lying or purposely leaving areas blank in hopes of negotiating terms later during the interview.

Hand Filling Application For EmploymentAgain, you more than likely are being judged by the guard manager as to whether or not you can follow simple instructions. There’s a famous quote out there, “How you do one thing is how you do everything;” Nine times out of ten, the security manager will relate those missing areas on your application to you leaving out details in your guard shift report.

  • Do Not Omit Areas of Employment

If you’ve worked for several security guard companies, don’t neglect listing those companies. Example: If you’ve worked five guard companies in the year of 2015, don’t just list two and leave out the other three… it doesn’t look good on your end; it’s as if you’re trying to hide them.

FYI, guard managers may (should) run a check on DPS’ website and retrieve your security guard background history, so it behooves you to be forthcoming.

How to get a security job

Companies look for individuals they can grow with, rely on and invest in. It costs security guard companies money having a revolving door of people who aren’t taking themselves, guard companies, or the profession seriously. If you are sincere about your employment, you will follow these 10 helpful tips to get a security job.

Click here to learn more about security careers in Austin.

Posted in BODYGUARDS, BUSINESS SECURITY, PERSONAL SECURITY, SECURITY GUARDS, SECURITY MANAGEMENT, SECURITY TRAINING, SPECIAL EVENT SECURITY Tagged with: , , , , ,

Customer service skills for security guards
July 11th, 2020 by Texasnews

Customer service is a skill that every business should train their employees on. There’s nothing like an upset customer speaking to an employee or representative of a company with little to no customer service skills. A great deal of businesses lose clientele quite frequently due to a nonchalant approach to this issue. customer service training for guards

Not many companies in the guard industry require or have ongoing customer service training, which is horrible for this profession. Listed below, are a few helpful customer service tips for security guards.

Customer Service Skills for Security Guards

Greet Clients with a Smile

customer service training for securityA nice, warm smile along with “Hello,” and the Client’s name is a nice start to providing great customer service; even if you are an introvert, a smile puts people in a good mood. Be sincere – most people can smell “fake” a mile away.

It’s said that people absolutely love the sound of their names; with that said, do your best to greet clients by name. If you are not on a first name basis yet, refer to them by their last names or simply “sir” or “ma’am.”

Helpful Tip: Act as if the Client is a long-lost friend that you haven’t seen in years. How would you greet that good friend? Would you smile or would you give off a vibe that you really don’t want to be around? Exactly. SMILE

guard trainingMake Eye Contact

Eye contact is a great indicator that the client has your attention. If you are looking at the ground, ceiling, or to the left and right of the client, how on earth can he connect with you? By doing this, you will make the client feel that he’s bothering you or your attention span is extremely short.

Take a few seconds to silence all things around you and focus on the words that are coming out of the client’s mouth.

Helpful Tip: Act as if you are the client in this moment. When you are frustrated, annoyed or simply want to be heard, how would you feel if the person you are expressing this to, is busy looking everywhere but at you?

It’s never a good feeling being dismissed; always try to put yourself in the client’s place.

Tips for excellent customer service

Build Rapport

Contrary to what you may have heard, it doesn’t take long to get to know people. Every chance you get, try to find out more and more about the client – interests, family, occupation; don’t go into investigation mode, instead let the questions flow naturally and be genuine.

Start with occupation questions. Ask the client how they got started doing what they do? Then ask them about their down time – what they do for fun when they’re not working around the clock?

If you begin flowing back and forth with conversation, ask them about family – if they have kids, if they’re married, etc. Remember to talk as if this is a good friend (not too relaxed), but someone you enjoy being around.

rapport building in securityHelpful Tip: It’s always good to find common ground and build on that. Example – If you both love the same sports team, music, or enjoy hanging out with family; once you have that information, the conversation can literally go on for hours. *Let the conversation continue on until the client cuts it off. 

Listen to Clients

Hear their concerns, complaints, or issues and utilize your active listening skills.

Active Listening – “a communication technique used in counseling, training and conflict resolution, which requires the listener to feedback what they hear to the speaker, by way of re-stating or paraphrasing what they have heard in their own words, to confirm what they have heard and moreover, to confirm the understanding of both parties.”

listening skills in securitySummarize what the client has said to you and ask questions that are in line with concerns, issues or complaints spoken by the client.

Helpful Tip: Be present. There is no way you understand someone if while they’re talking, you’re formulating your words to speak.

Have Empathy

Acknowledge the client’s problem(s); go a step further and express your understanding of the problem(s). Example: the client is upset because the other guard (of course, not you) is being sloppy with performance and appearance. The client elects to tell you instead of contacting guard management and escalating the problem.

empathy for security clientsYou tell the client that you fully understand why the client is upset about the guard’s appearance and performance. You add: “We’re all supposed to be making sure things are cohesive on your property; that includes our performance and appearance.

I’ll definitely speak to ‘Officer A’ immediately so that his performance and appearance is what you expect from us. I’m so sorry that you even have to have this conversation with me but I’ll get it fixed promptly.”


Helpful Tip
: You must add “urgency” to the equation when you tell a client that you will fix a problem. Never leave any room for clients to believe that they’re not a priority.

Find Solutions to Client’s Issuesproblem solving in security

If the client has expressed to you that there’s a problem or concern, let the client know that you will go above and beyond to provide a solution. Don’t just say it, really try to find a solution to their problem.

Helpful Tip: If you are stuck and can’t find a way to remedy the client’s problem, contact your employer. Security guard managers are more than qualified to resolve client issues.

Customer Service and Austin Security Guards

Ongoing customer service training is a must with security officers. If the guard company doesn’t provide it, you should locate an institution that offers it and invest in yourself.  If you take heed to these helpful customer service tips for security guards, you will be well on your way to advance in the guard industry.

To learn more about client relations in security, click here.

Posted in BODYGUARDS, BUSINESS SECURITY, PERSONAL SECURITY, SECURITY GUARDS, SECURITY MANAGEMENT, SECURITY TRAINING Tagged with: , , , , ,

Austin Unarmed security guards
June 9th, 2020 by Texasnews

If a crime occurs on your property and the criminals involved are armed, how effective will unarmed security officers be to you and your staff? What can the guards do to protect you and your staff while waiting for police to arrive?

Although armed guards may appear too “aggressive-looking” for some, when faced with this type of scenario, one must question the efficacy of unarmed security officers.

Let’s state the obvious here: We live in a world where crime takes place in a matter of seconds every single day and active shooter incidents are reported quite frequently throughout the nation.

Where there is crime, it is common for some form of weaponry to be involved. If the guard on your property has no way of defending you and can’t do anything to shield your safety… what do you do? What's your next move? What’s plan B? 

Are Unarmed Guards Effective?

Unarmed officers serve their purpose – they act as a deterrent as all guards do; however, when the worst-case scenario is occurring and one must react, an unarmed guard has absolutely nothing to help out in this situation.

All lives are on the line and the guard has a flashlight, pepper spray and nothing of use to fight off a deadly attack. At the very least, the guard should have a conductive energy weapon of some sort, which is not considered a lethal weapon.

Some individuals and companies are even threatened by officers carrying conductive energy weapons; so again, what on earth should the guard do in this case?

Companies avoid having armed guards on their property to elude the risks of liabilities, lawsuits and being negligent for accidental shootings at their place of business. Which is quite understandable, but if the companies would conduct their due diligence and contract with security providers who hire licensed, competent officers with extensive training, the risk of injuries and damages would drop significantly – as the armed guard would possess the skills necessary to handle this type of occurrence.

See how quickly this armed guard wards off robbers:

Unarmed versus armed guards

Often, unarmed guards are hired to appease a company’s visitors, staff, and so forth by giving the “presence” of security but that’s about it. They simply add a layer of protection but a very thin layer at that. The thin layer becomes completely nonexistent when unarmed guards encounter a high-level threat – life or death situation; and at that point, their effectiveness is unsubstantial.

Austin Armed security guardsNow you may say to yourself, “my business is in the safest area of my city; that type of crime doesn’t happen here;” most victims of America say the exact same thing. They never foresee the crime because they always say it can’t happen but the fact is, it can; and if it does, what level of security will you have at your establishment – armed or unarmed guards?

For more information about unarmed and armed guards, contact SRS Services.

Posted in BODYGUARDS, BUSINESS SECURITY, PERSONAL SECURITY, SECURITY GUARDS, SECURITY MANAGEMENT, SECURITY TRAINING Tagged with: , , , , ,

Effectively communicate with your boss
May 5th, 2020 by Texasnews

As long as you keep the lines of communication flowing with your employer, there should not be room for miscommunication. Speaking with co-workers, family members, friends, boyfriends, girlfriends, church members, and whoever has ears that will listen, does not take the place of you directly communicating your concerns or issues with your employer.

When going to outside sources that have no idea about your work ethics, except for what you tell them, could lead you down a very uncomfortable path in the future with your job. What if they give you the wrong advice? What if their advice leads to your termination?

bad adviceYou’ve heard the phrase before: “Watch who you take advice from.” This is so true!

Good people give bad advice –

What good is it for you to go to cousin Larry who can’t keep a job to save his life but has employment advice for you? Or, why listen to Aunt Sally who hasn’t worked a day in her life and makes suggestions based on what she’s seen on Television or saw or the internet?

Rule of Thumb: If you’re in doubt, open your mouth… to your employer!

Improve your relationship with your boss by communicating effectively 

A face-to-face conversation is always the best; this eliminates any misunderstandings in an email message. Too often, an email is received followed by a few others trying to explain what was meant in the first email.

If a face-to-face meeting is impossible, a telephone conversation should be the next best thing. Fully express what your issues are and see if there are any resolutions instead of making assumptions. Whether you have a problem with your supervisor, would like to address the possibility of a raise, can’t handle a co-worker, or desire room for advancement; if you don’t express this, how will your employer know?

Thanks to technology, effective communication skills have been lost; people rely on hiding behind computers, phones (texting), and other gadgets instead of eye-to-eye or telephone correspondence.

 

Here are 6 helpful tips to help you communicate with your boss:

  1. Speak directly to your employer pertaining to anything job related; after all, this is who writes your checks… why wouldn’t you want to be clear about things that you have issues with.
  2. Don’t take constructive criticism personal. If you are an employee, chances are the company saw something of value in you. Learn from your mistakes and allow them to make you a better worker. Don’t take a critique as an attack.
  3. Watch your tone. Yelling or raising your voice at your employer is never the road to travel. Sighing, crossing your arms, and rolling your eyes are almost a guarantee for a short-term career. Here’s something to consider: If you wouldn’t want it done to you, don’t do it to your boss. Bad Body Language                                                            Have you ever conversed with someone who continuously sighed while you were speaking as a jester to get you to be silent? It was quite annoying wasn’t it? Of course it was. How about having someone roll their eyes at you, cross their arms and raise their voice while you were speaking? That’s outright rude right? Of course it is!
  4. Don’t be passive-aggressive. Say what you mean, mean what you say but keep it professional. No need to be a “Yes man” in front of your employer and then five minutes later pout behind his back to your co-workers. If you get whatever problems or questions you have out there in the open, 9 times out of 10, you can avoid having a small issue turn into something huge.
  5. Get a clear understanding. Make sure you completely understand what your employer is communicating to you; ask for clarification if you are having difficulties.
  6. Leave Co-workers out of the mix. There is enough drama going on in the world alone, leave it out of the workplace as best you can. The “he said, she said” should be over and done with at this stage in your life. The most pleasant thing you can do as an employee is keep your place of employment drama-free!

Work on yourself harder than you’ve ever worked on anything else, and you won’t have problems fixing things as they come your way. If you follow these steps outlined above and keep the lines of communication flowing, you are sure to meet success when conversing with your employer.

For more on this topic, visit SRS’ Contact Us page

Posted in SECURITY GUARDS, SECURITY MANAGEMENT, SECURITY TRAINING Tagged with: , , ,

February 11th, 2020 by Texasnews

Do security guards actually prevent crime at churches? This a question that has been asked by many. A short answer to this question: crime is less likely to happen where criminals feel there is law enforcement or security on the premises – you can do your research here and check stats; most of the churches attacked did not have a security team or police officers on the property.

Crime at churches often occur when there is absolutely no protection on site. The last thing people want to believe is that someone would attack church goers but the sad reality is, crime is everywhere and occurs any time, at any location – and yes, even on church grounds.

According to Noelle Swan, in the past 15 years, more than 781 deadly attacks have occurred in the United States in places of worship. Vehicles are being burglarized in church parking lots; church members are being targeted and robbed, and worshippers are being murdered during services.

Man with a Shotgun Kicks in Church Door (see video):

Some churches have decided to get their congregation involved and establish a safety ministry to act as lookouts for suspicious individuals entering the property. They’ve also asked any off-duty police officers who are members to help out and volunteer to protect the members and visitors. The ministry has meetings to discuss safety precautions in the event they are attacked and have to react without law enforcement on site.

Prevent Church Crime16 Ways to Help Prevent Crime at Churches

***Conduct a security risk analysis prior to purchasing security equipment. Often equipment is purchased and installed only to discover that it does not meet expected needs or solve the problems since needs and problems were never identified and properly assessed in the first place.

  1. Following a security risk analysis, form a safety and security committee and select a chairperson to provide leadership.
  2. Train ushers, greeters and other key volunteers to recognize, report and respond to suspicious activity or a security or safety incident.
  3. One or more trained persons from the safety security committee should remain posted at designated areas to observe people exiting cars and walking towards the church. Part of training is to be observant for signs of stress or suspicious actions.
  4. An emergency plan should be developed and tested annually in response to any natural or man-made disaster that could occur in your area. Include Fire, Police and/or EMS in annual testing and formulating plans. This requires work but there are many inexpensive books and free government publications available to assist with emergency planning.
  5. Review outdoor lighting to make sure it is sufficient.
  6. Maintain plants and shrubbery low to the ground to reduce hiding places.
  7. When opening and closing your church facility, pay close attention to your surroundings and be extra careful. Depending on your environment, time of day and other activities occurring in the nearby area, you may want to implement opening and closing procedures.
  8. A well thought-out and installed burglar alarm and fire alarm system will help protect church assets.
  9. Ensure that a process exists to release children to parents or authorized adults.
  10. Perform background checks on both volunteers and paid staff that have responsibility for children. There should be no exception for this rule where responsibility for children exits.
  11. Conduct background checks on all the safety security team regardless of involvement with children.
  12. Personnel records and other sensitive information must protected from unauthorized access.
  13. Two people should remain present from time funds are collected until counted and stored. Key control for essential doors and containers for valuables must be managed.
  14. Major or expensive assets should be marked in case of theft and inventoried at least annually.
  15. Be proactive and observant for safety violations such as exposed wiring, locks that don’t work and cleaning chemicals that are not stored properly. Safety and security go hand-in-hand.
  16. The most important strategy or action that can be taken to prevent security incidents is to increase security awareness with all members. Courtesy of Jim McGuffey and Church Security Consultant.com

Church security AustinChurch Security Guards Can Help Reduce Crime

The above may be a tall order for some churches; to add, the average person does not have the level of training needed to guard a facility and people. It’s a great strategy to impose safety precautions but churches should go a step further and either get their safety ministry professionally trained to handle crime on their church grounds or outright hire security officers and take the stress off the congregation as a whole.

Being on the “look-out” for criminals is one thing, but what happens when three or more criminals are attacking a church at one time? Most church goers are not trained for that type of occurrence and are not armed to handle active shooters on the property.

Churches should involve their members and educate them about safety but they should also include a security training program that keeps them on top of their game in the event that a crime does break out on church grounds.

No one wants to think of this worst case scenario but again, it happens and more often than you think. Question –Security guards: Do they prevent crime at churches? Answer – Absolutely! They not only prevent crime at churches, they take the stress off the church members having to worry about their safety or lack thereof.

To consult with a security expert regarding the matter, click here.

Posted in BUSINESS SECURITY, PERSONAL SECURITY, SECURITY GUARDS, SECURITY MANAGEMENT, SECURITY TRAINING Tagged with: , , , ,

Guard Accused of Stolen Valor
May 10th, 2015 by Texasnews

Now that Iraq and Afghanistan wars are over, many Veterans and overseas contractors flood the private security industry in search of security details, instructor positions and even booking writing opportunities.

So what do you do if a veteran misrepresents himself to your security company, claiming to have credentials that he does not have, yet presenting augmented documentation that seems to back up his claim?

If a job candidate states he has a military background, to include Special Forces and Blackwater, seems squared away, has story after story detailing his past experiences… why would fiction or non-fiction cross your mind?

If this same candidate produced the necessary paperwork confirming his “falsified truth,” how then would you even consider this person to be a fraud or suspect him of stolen valor?

How do you know if the documentation is augmented or not, (without being a Document or Forensic expert); not to mention, who sends in documents to be reviewed without suspicion or cause on a normal application process?

Who do you contact to verify the background of someone claiming to have an elite, secret military background? What steps do you take as a security guard company to weed out these individuals, while also not offending or questioning the integrity of a real veteran?

Proof of Stolen Valor

Background checks, MMPIs, drug testing, and fingerprinting simply aren’t enough when someone’s governmental background is in question, and often difficult to verify quickly for civilian companies hiring vets. If a presented DD214 is the document in question itself, contacting the VA or asking the government for a 201 file could take weeks to receive any information on the vet in question.

Private contractors such as Blackwater seldom speak with anyone outside of their “clique,” and many times may not confirm or deny an employee’s existence – keeping in mind, they are a private company and don’t have to disclose anything to anyone in many cases.

Stolen Valor

Fake DD214

Recently, SRS confronted an individual who applied with our company stating he had Special Forces background; we of course requested a DD214 (as we do with anyone claiming veteran status), and was promptly provided with a copy of a DD214 in the individual’s name. While DPS conducted their background check and processed this individual’s licenses, we became concerned when a fellow Blackwater ex-employee came forward with information that disputed this applicant’s Blackwater stated experience.

Those questions brought the applicant’s DD214 back under review and a request through the government was made for the applicant’s actual government 201 file. Several weeks later that 201 file arrived which indicated the applicant was a Military Veteran, but not Special Forces, nor had the stated awards or rank as contained on a fake DD214.

Flabbergasted” is a complete understatement!

Why would someone go through great lengths to misrepresent himself when only applying for a guard position?

What really makes a person go out of his way to the point where legal actions can be taken against him?

Is it Ego, Greed, or Both?

You can never really get into the minds of those who prey on others.

When SRS confronted the guard with the proof provided by and contained in the government 201 file, his response wasn’t to argue or deny anything or even stand up for himself; his response wasn’t to provide pictures or his original forms or show anything else….

Quite frankly, he didn’t have a response and walked away, which a true Special Forces solider that is being questioned, to include addressing his integrity, would have never done and would have cleared the air immediately.

Stolen valor in TexasHow should a guard company deal with Stolen Valor?

 

All too often, we hear of stolen valor but what do you do when it arrives at your place of business? You want to trust people until they give you a reason not to, but in today’s society, you just can’t do that anymore. And in the guard industry, you can’t take anyone’s word for it.

There are a growing number of people who want the attention, the acknowledgement, acclamation, or higher paid positions that choose to lie about their background and even falsify documents, which is despicable and dishonors those with real backgrounds and experiences.

If someone is presenting themselves as a decorated soldier or military expert, due diligence is necessary; once they provide their paperwork, go a step further (especially if it exceeds a normal, basic no frills solider), and ensure they have the credentials they say they have. Don’t trust what they hand you, seek additional help and checks.

SRS has since worked with www.professionalsoliders.com, www.stolenvalor.com and will be filing paperwork with DPS on this issue, while other options are being explored as well.

Security companies can contact http://www.stolenvalor.com or www.professionalsoldier.com and share their story there; if they or someone else suspects a guard of providing false information, they can double check their information here: http://www.archives.gov/veterans/ and ask for a 201 file.

If you suspect someone of stolen valor or would like more information on this topic, click here.

Posted in SECURITY LAWS & REGULATIONS, SECURITY MANAGEMENT, SECURITY TRAINING Tagged with: