Questions

[Rlong1985]

This is not for school, I am only interested in hearing some of your thoughts regarding the private security field and law enforcement.

What do you think would improve the relationship between law enforcement and retail uniformed security officers?

What role does private security have in society?

What type of training at a minimum do you believe should be provided for security officers?

[retdetsgt]

I think private security certainly has a major role in our society. The government can't be expected to protect everyone's private property 24-7. A few years ago, Oregon instituted mandatory training for all armed security personnel that includes range qualification just like police officers. I have no idea what that training is to be honest. Non armed aren't required by law to have any, but it's not a good idea liability wise not to provide some.

When I first started, most armed security people got minimum wage and tended to get into trouble now and then. Today, the city of Portland contracted with Wachenhut to provide security for city hall, the mayor and other city functions. Several retired cops I know work for them and make pretty good money. The pay and quality of personnel are a far cry from what they were 40 years ago. These guys are professionals. None work retail though.

The only retail that hire uniform are the malls and they do okay. I don't know what they pay, but it's been decades since I've read in the news that one got into trouble. I think the malls do a pretty good job of teaching them the limits of their authority, etc. The last thing a shopping mall needs is to have one of their security people create problems for them.