Contract Security vs. In-House Security
- In Arizona, contract security companies are regulated by the Department of Public Safety, while in-house Security Departments are not regulated by the Department of Public Safety 01:11.
- Contract security companies are primarily driven by making money, with a focus on profit margins over quality and employee benefits 06:12.
- In-house Security Departments tend to offer better benefits, such as city benefits, and higher pay compared to contract security companies 10:26.
- The bill rate, or the rate charged to clients by contract security companies, can be significantly higher than the pay rate for security personnel, with some companies charging up to $45 an hour 11:00.
- Contract security companies often underbid each other, resulting in low pay for guards, with some companies paying $18 an hour while charging clients $30, and then complaining that nobody wants to pay them 11:47.
- In-house security departments usually offer better pay, benefits, and respect from the people they serve, making them a more desirable option 12:13.
- The pay rate for contract security guards can increase with promotions, such as from unarmed to armed, and can range from $16 to $20 per hour, with some companies offering annual increases 15:27.
- Some contract security guards are making high hourly rates, such as up to $62, especially in areas with high safety and security concerns 17:58.
- There is a belief that security companies, if done right, could take over some of the issues that police officers handle, freeing them up to focus on other tasks 18:25.
- The idea of security companies handling certain tasks is met with resistance from police unions, who argue that security officers lack the authority, training, and background to do the job 19:52.
- However, it is argued that security officers can be trained just as well as police officers, and that paying them a higher wage, such as $20 to $25 per hour, could attract qualified candidates 20:13.
- The authority of security companies depends on the company and the client, and some companies are willing to take on contracts that allow them to enforce laws, such as arresting people for trespassing 21:11.
History of Security
- The history of security dates back to ancient times, with Roman soldiers being hired as private security for noblemen and shop owners during peacetime 27:22.
- The term “janitor” originated from the Roman or Greek god Janus, referring to doorkeepers or gate guards who watched over shops and buildings at night 28:19.
- In ancient Rome, private security guards were often chained to buildings to prevent them from leaving their posts 28:47.
- The concept of private security has evolved over time, with modern-day contract security companies offering various services, including executive protection and border security 31:06.
- The diversity of the contract security world allows for the hiring of private armies or high-valued security guards for specific tasks, depending on the client’s needs 30:53.
Authority and Role of Security Companies
- Companies have leeway in deciding whether to hire private security or government entities, with the government being the client in some cases 31:41.
- Contract security companies can have significant authority depending on the client, including the power to detain individuals who trespass on private property 32:48.
- The presence of security personnel can serve as a deterrent, with some companies hiring off-duty cops for this purpose, although the difference between off-duty cops and security officers is minimal 37:38.
- The appearance and demeanor of security personnel can greatly impact their effectiveness, with some security officers being able to intimidate and deter potential threats through their presence alone 36:33.
- Uniforms and appearance can also play a role in how security personnel are perceived, with some contract security companies and police departments adopting more militant or intimidating uniforms 39:35.
Security Personnel: Effectiveness and Perception
- A simple greeting can be an effective way to deter theft and make customers feel welcome, as seen in the example of QT stores, where employees are trained to greet customers and address them by name 40:30.
- The difference between a security guard and a security officer is that a security officer is more proactive and alert, while a security guard may be less attentive and even sleep on the job 42:08.
- The term “night Watchman” originated in the 1800s in New York, where people were hired to turn on lamp lights at night, and is now equivalent to a security officer 44:01.
- The concept of security has evolved over time, with terms like “sheriff” originating from medieval times as a security officer 44:32.
- Many people prefer to shop at stores with visible security, such as an armed security guard, as it makes them feel safer 45:40.
- Some schools may not want visible security, such as armed guards, as it may create a negative perception, but this mindset can be flawed and leave schools vulnerable to security threats 48:54.
- The Arizona Rangers, a group that offers security services, have been rejected by some schools due to their militant appearance, despite being willing to help secure schools 49:39.
Security vs. Convenience
- The concept of security is often at odds with convenience, as increased security measures can be inconvenient, but necessary to prevent potential threats 52:54.
- The idea that security is not convenience, but rather inconvenience is security, is a key principle in understanding how to effectively secure a location 53:10.
School Security and Emergency Preparedness
- School shootings are not a new phenomenon, but rather have a long history that is often overlooked due to the lack of media coverage in the past 56:02.
- The lack of emergency escape systems (ESS) in schools can create a significant security risk, as it can trap students and staff inside in the event of an emergency 54:12.
- Even high-ranking officials, such as federal agents, can be subject to security protocols and may be required to lock up their firearms or other prohibited items before entering a secure area 57:10.
Private Armies and Government Authority
- A dictator’s private army can become the official federal army after a coup or overthrow, raising questions about their legitimacy and accountability 01:01:49.
- If a private security army is deputized to perform an official act and harms US citizens, they may be granted immunity due to their official capacity 01:02:20.
- The use of volunteer forces or private armies to enforce voting or other government functions can be concerning and potentially lead to conflicts 01:02:55.
- Private military companies like Blackwater can be better armed than National Guard units due to their willingness to spend money 01:03:37.
