CALSAGA

Daily Private Security News Clips - October 31, 2007

Shoplifting suspect who left baby in store turns herself in - Newsday
The female shoplifter left her son behind to distract the security guard who confronted her.

Security guard at distribution center hit, killed by truck - Associated Press,
A security guard is dead in an accident involving two trucks at a distribution center in Luzerne County.

College pays for added dorm security - New Jersey College Signal
An outside security company has been contracted by the College for 24-hour security detail.

Schools taking extra security measures - Knoxville News
Knox County Schools is changing the way security officers staff schools this Halloween evening in light of the killing of a security officer a year ago.

Mother says security guard stopped her from saving son from blaze - WREG-TV, Memphis
The mother blames the accused arsonist for what happened. She also blames security at the apartment complex that burned.

Security Guard Banned From CPCC Campus - Channel 9 TV, Charlotte, NC
School officials say the security officer inappropriately threatened a student.

Have you signed up for the Annual Conference?

With just a week out from our 2007 Annual Conference, have you and/or your staff reserved your spot yet?  If so, we look forward to seeing you.  If not, what are you waiting for?

Click here to download a registration form.  We hope to see you all there.  We have put together an amazing program that you definitely don't want to miss.

Recent testing of airport security raises concern

USA Today ran a story a few weeks ago on the Transportation Security Administration's attempt to test airport screeners on whether they can locate bomb parts in suitcases and other carry on items.  The test typically involve an undercover person slipping a bag with a fake bomb on an X-ray machine belt.

Click here to read the story.

Of the airports tested, Los Angeles International had a 75 percent failure rate and Chicago O'Hare had a 60 percent failure.  San Francisco International, who contracts out their security and are one of the few airports in the nation that doesn't use TSA, only had a 20 percent failure rate. 

Mere coincidence?  We don't think so, but we'd love to hear what you think in the comments section.  A big thanks to CALSAGA staff member Aimee Davey for tracking down the story.

Daily Private Security News Clips - October 30, 2007

Attempted carjacker shoots at guard near San Jose park - San Jose Mercury News
A man with a handgun banged repeatedly on a car window before shooting out its tires and firing shots at a security guard in an attempted carjacking near San Jose's Kelley Park.

W'boro meeting set to discuss school security - Burlington County Times
School district administrators will hold a meeting Nov. 5 at the Garfield East Elementary School to discuss safety and security following a shooting behind the building last month.  Parents question lack of security guards at schools.

Hawaii woman stabbed to death, man injured - Honolulu Advertiser
Police arrested a man who stabbed his mother, sister, and the security officer who tried to prevent him from fleeing the scene.

Security guard charged with theft - The Tennessean
A security guard at Vanderbilt University Medical Center has been charged with theft after allegedly stealing $2,300 from a purse she searched while on duty.

Police say spitter got hospital trip - Fredericksburg Free Lance Star
A young man who reportedly spit on a security guard at a Fredericksburg party was taken to the hospital after the guard responded with a punch to the head.

BSIS confirms date and location of next Advisory Hearing

The BSIS generated an email this morning officially announcing that the next Advisory Hearing will be held on Thursday, November 29 from 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.  The location if the hearing is as follows:

California State Buildings
1515 Clay Street Rm. 11
Oakland, CA 94612

As a reminder, BSIS set up these advisor hearings in the fall of 2006 to increase communication between the Bureau and the industries it regulates.  Chief Paul Johnson has committed that BSIS will host two each year.  CALSAGA will be on hand at the hearing and will report back on what was discussed.

Daily Private Security News Clips - October 29, 2007

Guard implicated in theft at mall - Miami Herald
A security guard and another man were arrested for a theft at a Sunrise mall.

Daily Private Security News Clips - October 28, 2007

School security guard in Newark has MRSA - New Jersey Star-Ledger and WNBC-TV
A school security guard in Newark has tested positive for the frightening staph infection known as MRSA, prompting school officials to notify parents and sanitize an elementary school in the city's North Ward.

Daily Private Security News Clips - October 27, 2007

USF adding security guards - St. Petersberg (FL) Times
The University of South Florida will pay private, unarmed security officers to bolster campus safety around residence halls and other high-traffic areas of the main campus.

Marin residents arrested for attempted robbery - Petaluma Argus-Courier
When the security guard attempted to place the suspect under citizens arrest for theft and started retrieving the items from her purse, she bit and struck the guard, and called for help from he accomplice, who also assaulted the officer.

Auto Dealer Security Guard Arrested In Theft Complaint - Fort Smith (AR) Times Record
A Fort Smith security guard was arrested Wednesday after police said he used his job at a local car dealership to steal items from customers’ cars.

Virginia Wesleyan guard pleads guilty in bomb threat case - Virginia Pilot, WVEC-TV
A former Virginia Wesleyan College security guard accused of making a bomb threat last month pleaded guilty to misdemeanor disorderly conduct.

Update on allowing out-of-state security officers to work in California during disaster

Earlier this week, CALSAGA posted a story on our blog concerning the increased demand for security officers due to the tragic fires in Southern California.  At the request of several of our members, we investigated the possibility of having Governor Schwarzenegger sign an Executive Order that would temporarily allow out-of-state security officers to work in California under the blanket of a state of emergency.

Thankfully, firefighters were able to get control of the fire, which has since cut the need of additional security officers, but that could have been different if firefighters were unable to get control of the fire or if another catostrophic event would have happened at the same time. 

From our standpoint, any security officer coming into California to provide a security-related service would at the minimum need to have gone through a background check and some form of security officer training for us to be comfortable with the idea.  Moreover, we would like to see a provision in there that would require an out-of-state security officer to cease working in California within 72 hours once the Governor lifted the state of emergency order. 

Moving forward, CALSAGA plans to work with the Office of Homeland Security, Department of Consumer Affairs and the Governor's Office on this issue in 2008 and try to come up with a solution.  In the meantime, we'd love to hear from you. 

For those PPOs in Southern California, did you see demand for security services and if so, how did you meet the demand?  How were Northern California PPOs affected by security officers being pulled from Northern California to help with the fires?

Use the comments section below to voice your thoughts and concerns.

Daily Private Security News Clips - October 26, 2007

Fifth man arrested in killing of Albuquerque security guard - KDBC-TV, El Paso, Texas
A fifth man has been arrested in the beating death of a security guard at an Albuquerque car dealership.

Carson man sent to prison for cutting security guard - Nevada Appeal (Carson City, NV)
A 29-year-old Carson City man was sentenced to five years in Nevada State Prison after he cut a Wal-Mart security guard with a razor blade while trying to steal video equipment.

Facing Felony Theft Charges - WTAP-TV, Athens, GA
A Wal-Mart security guard detained shoppers leaving the store under suspicion of shoplifting, and found they had over $1600 in unpaid for goods.

Demand increases for security officers in response

In response to the tragic fires throughout Southern California and the increased demand for security officers to protect some of California's most critical infrastructure sites, CALSAGA has contacted California Homeland Security and Department of Consumer affairs to investigate the possibilty of temporarily allowing security officers from outside of California to help respond.

The issue is whether Governor Schwarzenegger has the legal authority to take action, during a federal and state disaster order. CALSAGA may support such a proposal if certain provisions were mandated, including background checks, some prior security officer training and a requirement that would require out-of-state security officers to cease work within 72 hours once the state of emergency has been lifted.

It is too early to determine exactly where this will go, but we will keep you updated on any development.

Daily Private Security News Clips - October 25, 2007

Refuge for readers can be risky - Los Angeles Times
Plans are underway to increase security, including hiring security officers, at local libraries.

Witness: Guards plotted to 'teach' victim a lesson - Grand Rapids Press
Ongoing testimony in the murder trial of a group of security guards accused of murdering Janet Chandler.

Guard handcuffed, gun taken during Hammond bank robbery - North West Indiana Times
Two men got away with an undisclosed amount of cash from a Hammond bank Monday morning after stealing the gun of a security guard and handcuffing him.

Judge’s concerns lead to tightened security - The Marshall Independent, Marshall, MN
A judge order increased security at the County Courthouse.

Police nab 14 students on multiple charges - Vineland Daily Journal
Police have arrested 14 local students in the last week on a range of charges, including assaulting a security officer.

The Trials of Those Who Protect Columbia - Columbia Spectator
The university newspaper profiles campus security.

New initiative filled that would strip Legislature of drawing their own districts

The California Common Cause filled an initiative yesterday that would put the task of drawing California's districts into the hands of a 14-member citizens commission made up of 5 democrats, 5 republicans and 4 independents.

The initiative comes after years of fustration, due to the inability of the Legislature to agree on a new method to draw California's districts.  In the last two election cylces, not a single seat of the 120 possible seats in the California Legislature changed hands. 

Click here to read the story in today's Sacramento Bee.

Daily Private Security News Clips - October 24, 2007

Daley Camera's Will Help Monitor Security Guards - WBBM, 780AM Radio
Daley acknowledges there have been security lapses at  Jardin and South Water Filtration Plants. The Sun-Times reports officials found some of the private security guards sleeping on the job or not at their posts.

2007 CALSAGA Annual Conference is just two weeks away!

It’s hard to believe, but the 2007 CALSAGA Annual Conference is just two weeks away.  Our staff is busy putting the final touches together to ensure our sponsors, exhibitors and attendees get the most out of this year’s conference. 

We have put together an amazing program this year, with an all-star lineup of speakers including, California Labor Commissioner Angela Bradstreet, Mike Prosio, Governor Schwarzenegger’s Deputy Legislative Director and Sacramento Police Chief Albert Nájera to name a few.

Click here to view the entire conference agenda. 

On the first day of the conference, we have planned three concurrent breakout sessions in the afternoon, including:

• “Marketing Tactics” presentation from Gary Kuty with Kuty & Associates
Room 103

• “Mergers and Acquisitions” discussion with Brian Dooley from Dooley & Associates
Room 104

• “Best Business Practices” with Northern California Vice President David Travers, Southern California Vice President, Roy Rahn and Barry Bradley from Bradley & Gmelich 
Room 105

We have identified these topics as critical for all PPOs in California to be aware of.  All three should be very informative!

Finally, there is still room in our 1st CALSAGA Annual Conference Golf Tournament, as well as our tour of the State Capitol.  You can sign up for any one of these events when you sign up for the conference.  The conference registration is available by clicking here.

On behalf of the entire CALSAGA staff, we hope to see each of you at this year’s conference.  As always, please contact our office at (916) 930-0552 if you have any questions!

Daily Private Security News Clips - October 23, 2007

Carson man sent to prison for cutting security guard - Gardenerville (NV) Record-Courier
A 29-year-old Carson City man was sentenced Monday to five years in Nevada State Prison after he cut a Wal-Mart security guard with a razor blade while trying to steal video equipment.

Many examples of guards napping - Chicago Sun-Times, CBS2-TV
Surveillance cameras inside Chicago's two water-filtration plants have captured dozens of instances of private security guards sleeping on the job and abandoning their posts, City Hall sources said Monday.

Security guard admits killing ex-girlfriend's fiancé, police say - Cleveland Plain Dealer
A Cleveland security guard, angry about his former girlfriend's engagement, killed his romantic rival, police say.

Security guard accused of plotting to kill girlfriend's father - Jackson (TN) Sun
An armed security guard from Jackson who is charged in a murder conspiracy plot in Crockett County tried to hire someone to kill the father of his 16-year-old girlfriend, according to arrest warrants in the case.

BSIS to hold third Advisory Hearing

The Bureau of Security & Investigative Services (BSIS) will hold their third Advisory Hearing on Thursday, November 29 at 9:00 a.m.  While a location has not been confirmed, it will most likely be held in San Francisco after being held most recently in Riverside in February and Sacramento last year.

BSIS set up these advisor hearings in the fall of 2006 to increase communication between the Bureau and the industries it regulates.  Chief Paul Johnson has committed that BSIS will host two each year.  We will pass additional information along to as it becomes available.

Daily Private Security News Clips - October 22, 2007

Gulp! How safe is our water? - Chicago Sun-Times
A private security company's unarmed guards have been yanked out of the city's two water filtration plants amid concerns about safeguarding Chicago's drinking water.  Some of the guards were found sleeping on the job.

Five Shot in Northern Liberties - WPVI-TV, Philadelphia
A security guard who was shot in the hand is among 5 wounded at a night club incident.

Dunes security officer rescues four children on raft in lake - Gary (IN) Post Tribune
High winds made a family's day more exciting than they'd planned as a security guard had to pull ashore four children trapped aboard an inflatable raft that was fast blowing out into the lake.

Daily Private Security News Clips - October 21, 2007

Bar security guard accused of impersonating sheriff's deputy - KSWO-TV, Witchita Falls, KS
He said he was deputy sheriff and according to authorities, he even wore a uniform and a badge. Now a Lawton man is behind bars, accused of impersonating an officer.

Daily Private Security News Clips - October 20, 2007

Cleveland School Gets $2.5M for Security - Guardian Unlimited

The state will provide $2.5 million to Cleveland schools to upgrade security after a student gunman shot and wounded two teachers and two students before he killed himself, the governor's office said Friday.

Bill Maher helps security guards kick rowdy protesters out of live audience
International Herlad Tribune

Bill Maher can add "security guard" to his job description alongside comedian and political commentator.  Maher on Friday night helped security remove a rowdy protester from the studio during his weekly HBO cable television show "Real Time with Bill Maher," and it was all captured on live television.

Robstown security guard is reinstated  - Caller Times

A Robstown High School security guard accused of slapping a student and subsequently suspended is back at work.  Elizabeth Obregon was reinstated at the high school Monday, after district officials determined she did not slap a 16-year-old female high school student, Superintendent Roberto Garcia said Tuesday.

Jobless rate still faltering in county, security officer jobs up slightly
San Diego Union Tribune

Employers have been cutting back on their hiring plans, according to the latest survey by Monster.com, the online career network.  The Monster survey found slight upticks in job postings for scientists, education workers, security guards and truck drivers but sharp declines for maintenance and repair workers.

Metal detectors approved for Cleveland schools, will cost $3.3 million - Cleveland Plain-Dealer

All of Cleveland's 50,000 public-school students could face metal detectors and airport-style X-ray machines as early as next Friday in the wake of the SuccessTech Academy shootings.

Man, 24, arrested in attack on guard - Honolulu Star-Bulletin
Police arrested a 24-year-old man for allegedly attacking an apartment security officer with a martial arts weapon.

Explosion Levels 2 Buildings in New Jersey, Killing 1 and Injuring 4 - New York Times
A construction security officer was among the injured when a gas explosion destroyed the two houses.

Man who impersonated a police officer sentenced to six months in Collier jail - Naples Daily-News
Gustavo Guirola Quintero probably thought he was being a good citizen when he urged motorists to slow down on Interstate 75 a few months ago.  The trouble was, the Broward County man was wearing his security officer’s uniform and driving a Crown Victoria, a popular police car that featured a Miami-Dade Metro Police Department Shield, was marked “Miami Patrol” and had flashing overhead lights.

Downtown Rescue Mission hires weekend security guard - Huntsville Times
Things are reportedly a little quieter at the Downtown Rescue Mission on weekends.  The homeless shelter - said to be the largest in the state - has hired a security guard to keep an eye on the residents there on Friday, Saturday and Sunday from dusk until 4 a.m.

President Bush issues updated National Strategy For Homeland Security

Last week, President Bush released an updated National Strategy For Homeland Security, which is intended to guide, organize and unify the Nation's homeland security efforts. With regards to security industry, the guide stresses the need to clarify roles and responsibilities across all levels of government and the private and non-profit sectors in the event of another attack on our homeland.

Click here to read the entire report. We want to know what you think. How can the private security industry play a larger role in Homeland Security?

Daily Private Security News Clips - October 19, 2007

Two men accused of killing disabled Cypress security guard - Orange County Register
Orange County prosecutors have charged two men with murdering a security guard, thought to have suffered from a form of autism, during a robbery at a church construction site in Cypress.

Tri-Valley school board votes to terminate guard - Middletown (MT) Times Herald-Record
Last night the Tri-Valley school board terminated the security guard who asked a 14-year-old freshman girl if she had her period.

SEIU Rally Next Week in San Francisco - Independent Worker
Private security officers are standing up against the corporate real estate industry to win quality, affordable health care for themselves and their families.

Daily Private Security News Clips - October 18, 2007

Courthouse security plan shaping up - Valencia County News Bulletin
The Valencia County Commission approved a plan that would be comprised of three officers from the old courthouse plus four private security guards for a total of seven security personnel at the judicial complex.

Man Killed in Bank Shootout - Associated Press, Atlanta
A suspected bank robber was shot and killed by a security guard Wednesday and two other suspects remained at large.

2007 CALSAGA Annual Conference just three weeks away

It is hard to believe, but the 2007 CALSAGA Annual Conference is just three weeks away!  If you haven't already confirmed your spot at the conference, we encourage to contact our office today at (916) 930-0552 to register over the phone, or print the registration form and fax to our office at (916) 930-0702.  Registration is filling up fast, so make sure you're not the one left out at California's premier conference on the security industry.

Our room block on November 6 is unfortunately booked solid.  The only rooms the Sheraton is offering for November 6 cost $299.  We extended our block several times, only to see it fill up again.  For those of you that are still considering attending the conference, the hotel still has rooms at the $159 rate for November 7 & 8 until this Friday, October 19.

Other hotels within a few blocks from the Sacramento Convention Center and are less expensive than the Sheraton for November 6 include:

The Residence Inn at Capitol Park

Room rate: $229.00

(800) 331-3131 

Embassy Suites

Room rate: $157.00

(916) 326-5000

Finally, for those of you interested in hearing from BSIS, we have confirmed two panels on our agenda with Chief Paul Johnson, Deputy Chief Rick Fong, Enforcement Manager, George Paddeck and Policy Advisor, Rolando Taeza.  Additionally, BSIS will staff a booth again this year in our exhibiting area to answer all your questions!

Click here for a conference agenda.  There you will find information about our golf tournament and tour of the State Capitol building on November 6.  If you have any specific questions on the conference, please contact William Hodges or visit our website at www.calsaga.org.

Daily Private Security News Clips - October 17, 2007

Cleveland teacher shot by student says he's asked for more security for years - WKYC.TV, Cleveland
The teacher says he petitioned for added security officers, the district says they are addressing concerns.

Man Arrested for Vandalism - BYU News
A security officer at an apartment complex in Orem observed a man vandalizing several cars and reported the vandalism to Orem police Friday morning, leading to the suspects arrest.

Robstown security guard is reinstated - Corpus Christi (TX) Caller Times
A Robstown High School security guard accused of slapping a student and subsequently suspended is back at work after district officials determined she did not slap a 16-year-old female high school student.

Man Arrested On Charges Of Killing Hialeah Security Guard - NBC^-TV, Miami, FL
Guillermo Gonzalez was arrested on Monday on Miami Beach. He was wanted on charges of running over a security guard while trying to flee from a burglary earlier in October in Hialeah.

Guard ran down biker, cops say - North Jersey News
A mall security guard is charged with aggravated assault after allegedly trying to run down a motorcyclist with his truck, police said Tuesday.

Could Our Officers Run A Mile To Save Lives?

In an earlier posting, in which I had replied to the question" Are Private Security Officers Being Attacked More Often?",(August 15), I had stated in effect that as more and more officers are being deployed in the streets and away from the office towers, we need to develop a work force of Officers who are physically fit, and have the mental attitude to deal with life on the streets. In this posting, I want to explore this concept further.

There is a tradition within our industry that places a high value on an individual's personal reputation for reliability. So much so that at times an officer's track record of showing up when scheduled, and filling in where needed can overshadow a true assessment of the officer's capabilities and limitations. This is why we see officers assigned to posts which are not well matched to the officer's abilities. For example, the elderly security officer assigned to work the supermarket parking lot during swing shift. While the mature officer in this case may have an excellent reputation for showing up as scheduled, his capabilities are a poor match for the demands of standing and walking for prolonged periods under the dim lights of a nighttime parking lot.

The challenge we face today is that with the broad deployment of our officers in the community, the public is more reliant upon private security for protection than at any other time in our history. While the public does not perceive our officers in the role of private police, it is reasonable for the public to expect that our officers will act as an auxiliary life guard who will move quickly to warn others of danger, direct people out of harm's way and if necessary cue emergency responders. These are basic functions that security officers are called upon to fulfill almost daily. Under extreme emergencies, such as an earthquake, or even a terrorist attack, our officers will most certainly be required to test the limits of their physical and mental endurance. If it is private security officers who are patrolling the BIDs, the market places, and the transportation hubs then our standards for physical endurance must be in line with those of other emergency personnel such as police and firefighters.

Governor Schwarzenegger vetoes Assembly Bill 1025

CALSAGA learned late Sunday that Assembly Bill 1025, authored by Assemblywoman Karen Bass (D – Los Angeles) who is a friend of our industry and CALSAGA, was vetoed by Governor Schwarzenegger.  AB 1025 would have permitted individuals previously convicted of crimes to work in a regulated profession. 

While CALSAGA supports the author’s intent to increase jobs to constituents in her district, as well as offering rehabilitated individuals a chance at gainful employment, we were concerned that the bill took away a licensing entity’s discretion to deny a license or take other licensing actions.  Additionally, the bill put the burden of proof on state licensing bodies to show that an individual is not rehabilitated, which could result in increased litigation. 

Security officers in California need close scrutiny due to the nature of the work.  CALSAGA was concerned that this bill could potentially compromise public safety, as well as roll back much of the work we have done in recent years to professionalize the industry with background checking and training standards.

To read the Governor’s veto message, click here.

Daily Private Security News Clips - October 16, 2007

To end school fights, Merced adding guards, security cameras - Modesto Bee
Merced Union High School District authorities are adding more sentries and cameras to address a recent rash of fights on campuses.

Twin Cities security firm faces discrimination charges - Workday Minnesota
Twin Cities security firm Hannon Security Services, Inc., unlawfully exposed private security officers to race-based discrimination and hostile working conditions, according to charges filed by five workers.

Ohio School to Reopen After Shootings - Associated Press
Cleveland's SuccessTech Academy, closed since Wednesday's shootings, was to reopen Tuesday amid heightened security. There will be metal detectors and at least one more armed security guard.

Students protest lack of security at NBHS - New Britain Herald
Hundreds of students marched out of New Britain High School on Monday morning to prove the school's security personnel weren't strong enough to protect them, protesting the recent layoff of a security guard.

Governor signs CALSAGA sponsored Senate Bill 666

CALSAGA is thrilled to report that Senate Bill 666 was signed late last night by Governor Schwarzenegger!  We applaud the Governor for his continued commitment to the security industry in a move we believe will further professionalize the security industry, while adding an additional layer of protection for consumers and the public.

As you know, SB 666 will mandate proprietary security officers (PSOs) to complete a course of initial and ongoing training designed specifically for the type of security and jobsite provided by the PSO.  This is different from the 40 hour training requirement that CALSAGA originally sought after, but rather a compromise that was worked out between proprietary security employers, contract security firms and the Legislature.

Authored by Senator Abel Maldonado (R – Santa Maria) and sponsored by CALSAGA, Senate Bill 666 is an important step in requiring that all security officers in California are subject to security officer training as part of their initial and ongoing professional development.  Currently, only contract security officers are required to complete training. 

“The signing of this bill is another step in professionalizing the security industry, while adding an additional layer of protection to the public and consumers,” said Jeff Flint, CALSAGA Association Manager.  “We applaud the Governor for acknowledging the need to mandate training for all security officers in California and think this bill is the first step in getting us there.”

The State’s regulatory agency, the Bureau of Security & Investigative Services (BSIS) has been tasked with developing training curriculum with assistance from an advisory committee made up of sports/entertainment complex owners, retailers, restaurants, among others prior to June 30, 2008. 

Once the training standards are agreeable between all interested parties, CALSAGA will look to propose a bill next year that adopts the training curriculum submitted from the advisory committee and send to the Governor for his signature.   

The staff would like to thank all the members who submitted support letters to the Governor and to other key policy makers throughout the year.  Your participation in the process was instrumental to our success!

Daily Private Security News Clips - October 15, 2007

No significant news clips this morning.  However, we received word late last night that the Governor signed CALSAGA's SB 666.  We will post more on that topic later this morning.

Daily Private Security News Clips - October 14, 2007

Why he blew the whistle - York Daily Record
The story of the security officer at the Peach Bottom Atomic Power Station who video taped his colleagues sleeping on the job.

Security Guard Hospitalized After Hit-And-Run - KCTV, Kansas City
A security guard was taken to a local hospital Saturday morning following a disturbance in the River Market area.

Ex-security guard convicted - Tulsa World
A former security guard assigned to a Tulsa apartment complex received a four-year sentence for a fatal shooting almost four years ago.

Daily Private Security News Clips - October 13, 2007

Security guard cleared in Knight High School fracas - Los Angeles Daily News, Los Angeles Times, KABC-TV
The Knight High School security guard involved in a racially charged fracas with students over spilled birthday cake did not use excessive force, investigators said Friday.

Cleveland Schools getting metal detectors and security guards - WKYC-TV, Cleveland
Schools CEO Eugene Sanders announced all Cleveland schools will be getting metal detectors and security guards. And each school's security plan will get a consultant's review.

Mayor Clay's security officer indicted - Gary Indiana
Kenneth Moore, a member of Mayor Rudy Clay's security detail through the city Police Department, was indicted last week on a charge of ghost payrolling at an off-duty security job

CALSAGA receives strong indication that Senate Bill 666 will be signed by Governor

News relayed to CALSAGA this morning from those closet to Governor Schwarzenegger, is that Senate Bill 666 will be signed with a strongly worded message that asks CALSAGA and the Legislature to pass a bill next year that will address enforcement authority. 

This is excellent news and will be a nice reward for a lot of hard work invested in this bill this legislative session.  We will continue to keep you updated on the situation and will definitely let you know when it is signed. 

Daily Private Security News Clips - October 12, 2007

2 Suspects In Long Beach Guard Murder Behind Bars - Channel 2 TV - Los Angeles
Two Long Beach men suspected in the bludgeoning death of a security guard who apparently interrupted tool theft from the Cottonwood Christian Church construction site in Cypress were behind bars on Thursday, police said.

Show of support for Palmdale students - Los Angeles Times
Activists demand that prosecutors not pursue cases against black teens involved in skirmish with a white guard.

Auxiliary cop faces federal indictment as no-show guard - Gary (IN) Post-Tribune
A member of the mayor of Gary's security detail has been charged with taking a no-show job as a private security guard.

2 arrested in security guard murder - KHOU-TV, Houston, and Channel 2 TV, Houston
Charges have been filed against two suspects arrested in the fatal shooting of a security guard at 6555 West Bellfort in August.

Shoplifters unleash dog on security - Albany (NY) Times-Union
A pair of shoplifters sicced a dog on a security officer at a Slingerlands Price Chopper and sped away while the man was struggling with one of them, police said.

Security guard aids in arrest - Malcomb Daily
A Home Depot security guard helped police arrest a Detroit man accused of bilking a 81-year-old Warren woman out of $220.

Daily Private Security News Clips - October 10, 2007

Scuffle exposes a racial rift - Los Angeles Times
A scuffle involving three black students and a white security guard at Knight High School in Palmdale has provoked simmering racial tensions and forced local authorities to try and find ways to defuse them.

Two more arrested in death of security guard - KOB-TV, Albuquerque, NM
Two more men have been arrested in the beating death of a security guard for an Albuquerque car dealership.

Security guard catches fleeing purse snatcher - CBS58-TV, Milwaukee
A security guard at the El Rey super market ran down and tackled a 42-year-old man accused of stealing a customer's purse.

Parent accused in school fight tells her story - WOOD-TV, Grand Rapids, MI
A woman who got into an altercation with a school security officer tells her story.

NRC: Sleeping guards a habit at Peach Bottom - York Dispatch
Sleeping on the job at Peach Bottom Atomic Power Station had become an acceptable habit among a group of 10 security officers in the last seven months, said the federal agency charged with inspecting the power station.

Security guards a hot topic at Robstown ISD meeting - Channel 6 TV, Corpus Cristi, TX
Late last night, the superintendent briefed the board on the investigation involving a high school security guard, Elizabeth Orbegon, who is still on paid suspension and accused of slapping a student.

Daily Private Security News Clips - October 10, 2007

Guard in Scuffle Says He 'Handled Situation Professionally' - WABC-TV, Los Angeles
For the first time, a security guard at a Palmdale High School is responding to allegations he roughed up a student during a campus scuffle.

NRC gives report on dozing nuke guards - Lancaster Intelligencer Journal
The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission said Tuesday its investigation into sleeping security officers at the Peach Bottom nuclear power plant showed the problem, while "inexcusable," was isolated and not a direct threat to security.

Duncanville ISD guard rehired after assault charge - Dallas Morning News
The former head of security in the Duncanville Independent School District has a job with the district again.

Hospital security officer accused of drug scheme released from jail - Columbus Dispatch
One of the men accused in an elaborate scheme to distribute cocaine in Zanesville will be released from jail with an electronic ankle monitor.

Parent jailed after fighting, biting school guard - Grand Rapids (MI) Press
An Ottawa Hills High School security officer allegedly was bitten on the arms and face by a parent Tuesday, sparking a melee that drew in more than 100 students, some of whom joined in the fight.

Daily Private Security News Clips - October 9, 2007

Security guard dies of September beating - Las Cruces Sun-News
A security guard has died of a beating she suffered when she was attacked more than a month ago at the auto dealership where she worked.

Three accused of shoplifting spree in Linden, Woodbridge - Linden (NJ) News-Tribune
Three shoplifters from Essex County were arrested in Linden Saturday after one of them allegedly assaulted a store security officer who had tried to stop them from leaving the store.

Westy PD: Man shoplifts from store. Twice. - Denver
A security officer retrieved some of the stolen merchandise he saw a shoplifter take, but the suspect got away from security and police.

Security issues on KUSD agenda - Kingman Daily Miner
Security at two buildings in the Kingman Unified School District are scheduled as topics of discussion and possible action Tuesday when the district Governing Board meets.

Councilman voices concern about security - Canton (OH) Repository
Councilman Donnie Peters raises concerns about security at meetings of Massillon City Council. He believes council needs to enhance security at its meetings.

Daily Private Security News Clips - October 8, 2007

New guards to stand watch at VAFB gates - Santa Maria Times
A new company will begin providing the guards positioned at the entrances to Vandenberg Air Force Base later this year.  On Dec. 1, the blue-uniformed U.S. Protect guards will be replaced by employees sporting Chenega Integrated Systems' logo.

On patrol: Panama City beefs up marina security - Panama City News Herald
Panama City will pay NW Security about $168,000 this year for guards at the Panama City Marina, the St. Andrews Marina and the city’s maintenance complex on 7th Street and Massalina Drive.

City looks to R.T.M for ‘Freakfest’ private security - Daily Cardinal (University of Wisconsin-Madison)
Madison is close to signing a deal with a private security firm to help take tickets and guard stages for the Oct. 27 “Freakfest” Halloween celebration.

Daily Private Security News Clips - October 7, 2007

Mediator Could Bring SF Security Guard Labor Dispute to a Close - KCBS-TV, San Francisco
A federal mediator has been called in to help resolve a labor dispute with San Francisco's security guards.

Cruise ship crime jurisdiction often murky - San Diego Union Tribune
Accidents and crime at sea on cruise ships fall in murky waters.  Critics say security guards aboard cruise ships are ill-equipped to handle serious crimes that do occur.

Daily Private Security News Clips - October 6, 2007

Guard shot and wounded; suspect dead - Miami Herald, Ft. Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel,
A security guard was shot twice in the chest during a Lauderhill bank robbery Friday afternoon, police said. A gunman was later found dead in a nearby apartment complex after firing several shots at officers.

$1.5 Million Bond Set For Man Accused Of Killing Security Guard In 1999 - WCPO-TV, Cincinnati
A man accused of killing a security guard at a Tri-State nightclub won't be getting out of jail anytime soon.

Security Guard Sentenced For Attacking Principal - CBS2TV, Los Angeles
A former security guard at Quartz Hill High School was sentenced Friday to 120 days in county jail and three years probation for attacking the principal of the Antelope Valley campus.

Daily Private Security News Clips - October 5, 2007

SF police arrest security guards at demonstration - San Francisco Chronicle
Twenty-one security guards and their supporters were arrested at about noon today after sitting down on folding chairs in the middle of a busy Financial District intersection to call attention to their labor struggle.

Security Workers And Companies Agree On Non-Wage Package - CBS5-TV, San Francisco
San Francisco security guards and their employers have agreed today on a non-economic package, said Sam Singer, a spokesman for the security guard companies.

Tri-Valley School District puts security guard on leave - Tri-Valley Herald (Grahamsville, CA)
A security guard for the Tri-Valley School District has been put on paid administrative leave while the school investigates charges that he asked a freshman girl if she had her period.

2 guards die in swift ambush - Philadelphia Daily News
Two armored car guard were killed in an ambush while taking cash from an ATM.  Neither was wearing body armor.

Accused shoplifter arrested for attacking security officer - KGW-TV, Portland
Police arrested a Portland woman who allegedly assaulted a store employee after getting caught shoplifting.

Security Guard Taken To Hospital After Courthouse Fills With Smoke - WFTV, Orlando, FL
A security guard inside the Orange County courthouse noticed a smoky haze on the fifth floor early Friday morning.  The overnight cleaning crew was evacuated and a security guard was taken out in a stretcher and treated for breathing problems related to the smoke.

2007 CALSAGA Annual Conference just around the corner!

October 5 is the last day to take advantage of the early bird rate of $199.

If you haven’t already signed up for the CALSAGA Annual Conference, make sure you do by Friday October 5 to take advantage of the early bird rate.  We have an all-star lineup of speakers scheduled, as well as several events surrounding the conference, including a golf tournament and tour of the State Capitol. 

If you still need to register, click here to download a registration form and mail or fax it into our office today.  Remember, for those wanting to bring multiple people to the conference from their company, we have implemented price breaks in registration.

When you register for the conference, we also encourage you sign up for the golf tournament and the Capitol tour, both taking place on November 6.  The golf tournament should be a great opportunity to network with vendors and other security personnel.  Additionally, for those who have never seen the State Capitol and always wanted to know the history of California politics, this is your opportunity!

If you have any questions, please contact our office and any of our staff members are more than happy to assist you with your registration.  We look forward to seeing all of you in November at the conference!

Daily Private Security News Clips - October 4, 2007

Police: Dallas security guard with assault rifle kills two - Dallas Morning News, NBC5-TV, and Fox4-TV
Dallas police said that an Oak Cliff security guard armed with an assault rifle shot two suspected robbers Wednesday night in a strip mall near Executive Airport.

College considers replacing sworn force with security guards - Fresno Bee
College of the Sequoias is conducting a study of whether it should replace the campus police chief and four sworn officers with security guards.

Homeless man charged with stealing, punching store security officer - Naples (FL) Daily News
A homeless man was arrested on Tuesday after authorities said he attempted to steal a bottle of wine from Kmart and then punched a store security officer who questioned him about it.

Cruise, $100,000 given to rig bids - Baltimore Sun
A former private security company executive admitted yesterday that he bribed a government official to secure $130 million in security contracts.

Ex-Wachovia security guard sentenced - Charlotte Observer
A former Wachovia security guard has been sentenced to more than three years in prison for his part in an identity theft scheme that cost banks and stores more than $268,000.

House backs stronger requirements for contract building guards - Government Executive
Legislation prohibiting the Federal Protective Service from doing business with security guard companies owned or operated by felons passed the House Tuesday by a voice vote.

2 sororities hire guard - The Daily Iowan
The Kappa Alpha Theta and Zeta Tau Alpha sororities recently hired Per Mar Security to guard the two houses from unwanted visitors.

Daily Private Security News Clips - October 3, 2007

Ex-Capitol guard files lawsuit against employer - Charleston (WV) Gazette
A former state Capitol Complex security guard has filed suit against his former employer, contending he was fired after he told state officials that the company was hiring unqualified workers and falsifying their records.

Two Zanesville police officers, security guard jailed on cocaine charges - Columbus (OH) Dispatch
Two Zanesville police officers and a hospital security guard are accused in a scheme to obtain and sell cocaine, with one officer charged with extorting $8,500 from suspected drug dealers.

Fall issue of Observed & Reported now available

The fall issue of Observed & Reported is now available to download on our website at www.calsaga.org or you access the pdf by clicking here.  A printed copy will be mailed to all members the week of October 8.

We hope you enjoy reading the magazine and as always, welcome any feedback or suggestions you have.  The winter issue of Observed & Reported will be distributed in late November in what will be our last issue of 2007.

Daily Private Security News Clips - October 2, 2007

Meeting on plant security planned - New York Daily Record
The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission will host a public meeting Oct. 9 to discuss the results of a nearly week-long augmented inspection that probed the security program at Peach Bottom Atomic Power Station.

Hobby Airport security guard foils rim thieves, police say - Houston Chronicle
An airport security guard on foot patrol busted a gang of burglars with a penchant for fancy, chrome-plated wheels costing $5,000 or more a set.

Beaumont skating rink incident prompts BPD inquiry - Beaumont (TX) Enterprise
An internal investigation is underway after a melee between Police, Security, and patrons at a skating rink.

Round 2 a loss for Beale guard - Memphis Commercial Appeal
A former Beale Street security guard awaiting trial for aggravated assault was arrested again after a violent encounter outside the courtroom.

BSIS announces launch of new and improved website

The Bureau of Security & Investigative Services (BSIS) launched their new website today, which will further assist all security-related industries in compliance and information sharing.  Without question, the new website is aesthetically more pleasing, but it also appears to be much easier to navigate through and locate information.

Additionally, it looks like they will be adding new features including the BSIS Journal, which will be launched November 1. 

Finally, the website site address has changed to www.bsis.ca.gov.  The old path to the BSIS website used to direct users through the Department of Consumer Affairs website.  CALSAGA believes that the new website address will make it easier for people to locate BSIS and we applaud their efforts to improve the way they communicate information.

Opinion issued by DLSE on whether pre-employment training time is compensable

To: CALSAGA members

From: Jeff Flint, Association Manager

Re: Opinion issued by DLSE on whether pre-employment training time is compensable

Date: October 1, 2007

In early July, CALSAGA wrote a letter to Vicki Bradshaw, Secretary of the Labor & Workforce Development Agency requesting clarification on whether or not pre-employment state mandated security officer training time is compensable.  Since the AB 2880 training standards were implemented in 2004, there has been some confusion on whether or not employers were required to pay wages.

On August 29, Angela Bradstreet, the State Labor Commissioner, responded to our letter on behalf of Secretary Bradshaw, and made some important pronouncements.  In particular, the opinion issued from Ms. Bradstreet was that “time in the pre-employment training program does not require wage compensation.”  Undoubtedly, this opinion goes a long way in assisting our members in complying with California wage and hour laws.

Click here to download the five page analysis.

One of the key excerpts from the letter is as follows:

“The fact that employment may be offered after completion of the specific training provided by the private security operator does not itself transfer the relationship to an employee – employer relationship.  And while there is a conceivable general benefit to the private security operator in that it may offer employment to individuals upon successful completion of the training and otherwise meeting hiring requirements based upon their exposure to such prospective employees, there is no unfair economic benefit derived from work during the period of training the individuals.  [Subsequently], mandatory training programs do not appear to qualify as an employee – employment relationship because there is no work performed for the private security operator, no wages or salary is received, and the individuals are not listed in the employer’s payroll (B & P Code 7580.9)."

Obviously, you should share a copy of this letter with your own labor attorneys to confirm how this opinion applies to the facts and circumstances of how you do your hiring and training.  However, we believe it will be very helpful in clarifying state law.

Finally, CALSAGA appreciates the effort and time invested by Ms. Bradstreet in issuing this opinion and we definitely think it will assist us in future relations with the Division of Labor Standards Enforcement (DLSE).  If you have any questions or need additional clarification, please contact William Hodges at (916) 930-0552 or via email at whodges@calsaga.org. 

Daily Private Security News Clips - October 1, 2007

Mothers seek action from school after children suspended - Los Angeles Time
The mothers of students involved in a recent altercation with a security guard at Palmdale's Knight High School are demanding that the guard be fired and their children not be expelled from the school.

Ga. high school security officer honored for saving teen - Atlanta Journal-Constitutional
It was the longest eight minutes of his life, recalled Marietta High campus security officer Jeff Reed as he pushed on the student's chest and kept air flowing to his lungs with mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.

Security guard stabbed at club over weekend - Myrtle Beach Sun News
A security guard at the Tequila Latin Club was stabbed early Sunday morning by a drunken patron, according to officials with the Myrtle Beach Police Department.

Shoplifting arrest - Adrian Daily Telegram
The security officer watched the store’s security video and saw Crystal Burgett place several bottles of liquor in a shopping cart. The security officer followed Burgett to the housewares department where, the security officer said, she saw Burgett place the bottles in two diaper bags then try to exit the store without paying.