New Mexico Security Blog by Robb Hamic

Bosque Farms, NM Police Department is having trouble keeping good officers...

I wonder why?  I have some updates about the Bosque Farms Police Department (BFPD) from some inside sources.  It seems that "Chief" Joe Stidham is ruffling some feathers with his practices...  I have been receiving e-mails and calls from current or former BFPD Officers who say that it hard to work under Stidham.  I have information that indicates that BFPD is sometimes missing as many as five officer slots, meaning that they are sometimes "short 5 officers on the streets."  This is a dangerously low level.  How could this happen?  Inside sources list the following reasons:

• BFPD officers being forced to check on Legit Security guards while on and off duty as a condition of their continued employment.
• BFPD officers being exposed to practices of "Chief" Joe Stidham
  •  Stidham making Gil Baca a Reserve BFPD officer and letting him participate in law enforcement activities while carrying a BFPD issued badge and gun.  Baca plead guilty to felony charges. 
  • Stidham's BFPD budget is said to be directly tied to traffic citations issued  
  • Stidham's practice of offering new equipment to officers for more traffic citations  
  • Captain Jones ordering officers to arrest for offenses that they didn't witness (violation of the warrentless arrest Act) 
  • Ect., Ect.  

The BFPD website shows the following officers assigned to the department:

Chief: Joe Stidham

Captain: Greg Jones 

Sgt. Andrew Owen

Officer Tom McWhorter

Officer Stephen Devoti

Officer Floyd Garcia

Officer Darryl Chavez

Officer Jermaine Wilkins

Officer Ralph Baldonado

Officer Billy Hayes

Officer Vanessa Galindo    

Please see below for some information that I have received over the last week or so.

Tom McWhorter is there on a temp basis until they fill the positions- I think.

 

Stephen Devoti is the one who quit after only one week on the job!

 

Floyd Garcia is the guy that just got hired to fill a spot. I beleive he is the officer from aviation who was nailed for DUI...go figure.

 

Darryl Chavez is a good officer.

 

Jermaine is a good officer

 

Ralph was fired from *PD for lying to the Deputy Chief.  He works for Legit Security also as a trainer, supervisor.

 

Billy is a good guy.

 

Vanessa was fired from S******* PD before she even finished the academy...

Captain Jones record speaks for itself.

Stidham's record speaks for itself.

 

I have had a lot of interest and inquiry from Bosque Farms residents based on my blog and the practices of Joe Stidham and his associates.  Many people are really concerned.  Some people feel like they are being targeted.  I am posting this information mainly for them because I understand why they don't feel protected and they have a right to know.

I was subpoenaed to testify in the Stave vs. Fileberto Baca case.

Imagine that... The Assistant District Attorney was surprised to hear that there may be more evidence but I told her anyway.  I am looking forward to sharing the truth and participating in the case.

The gavel is just about to drop.... Hopefully Albuquerque security will get a breath of fresh air...

It is just about time for the facts to be exposed on one of Albuquerque's worst security companies.  I know that there has been a tremendous amount of investigative work and persistence on the part of law enforcement to bring this case to Grand Jury.  Stay tuned because it is coming...

George Davis // National Security's criminal case is dismissed- again... The DA says it will be re-field... again.

Apparently, discovery wasn't provided to Mr. Davis and the Judge will hear the case later.  The BCSO Deputy appeared.  I guess we will have to wait a while to see the outcome.... 

Peter St. Cyr of 770 KKOB interviewed the BCSO Detective that arrested George Davis outside of the courtroom.  We learned that BCSO actually saw Davis working in the morning, in uniform, carrying a firearm.  BCSO warned Mr. Davis that he did not have a license and was not certified to carry a firearm with the state of NM.  They told him that he couldn't work or carry a weapon.  BCSO then came back in the afternoon and observed him carrying a weapon, on duty and made the arrest.  Man... that wasn't smart!  If a Sheriff's Deputy gives you a lawful order (he even gave him a warning) then you better follow it... or go to jail!

Download bcso_det_matt_woelke_10232008.mp3

St. Moritz Security Services, Inc. is operating illegally in New Mexico

Here we go again... This company posted this ad (CLICK HERE) on Craigslist.org... I verified that this firm doesn't have a license to operate in New Mexico on the license verification system (CLICK HERE).  I sent this job posting to Mr. Steve Herrera, PI Board Administrator.  

Date: 2008-10-23, 8:27AM MDT

Responsibilities for Armed Security Officer. 

* Comes to work; is on time and completes shift assignments (including overtime, if assigned). 
* Has a neat, professional appearance and comes to work in complete and clean assigned uniform. 
* Has a friendly professional demeanor and provides quality customer service. 
* Is a good communicator (both verbal and written) and is capable of handling typical crisis situations both efficiently and effectively. 
* Understands successfully executes his/her post orders including enforcement of client and company policies, rules and regulations. 

Job Requirements 
Armed Security 

Requirements for Armed Security 

# Armed Officers must have a current commission card to carry firearms. 
# Must be at least 21 years of age or older as required by applicable law or contractual requirements. 
# Must have a high school diploma or GED. 
# At least two years verifiable work history. 
# No criminal convictions as specified under St. Moritz Security Services, Inc.'s guidelines. 
# Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing for the purpose of public interaction and report writing. 
# Authorized to work in the United States. 
# Ability to perform essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation. 
# Willing to participate in St. Moritz pre-employment process which may include drug testing and full background investigation. 
# Ability to maintain satisfactory attendance and punctuality standard. 
# Neat and professional appearance. 
# Friendly and professional demeanor. 
# Ability to provide quality customer service. 
# Ability to handle typical and crisis situations efficiently and effectively at client site. 

We offer an attractive compensation package including competitive hourly wage, training and opportunities for advancement. St. Moritz Security Services, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D/V. 

If you are interested in this position please contact Herbert Davidson at: herbertdavidson@gmail.com

The New Mexico Private Investigator's Board has FAILED its job! is this NM's next scandal?

The NM PI Board is charged with certain duties under NM rules and state statutes. They have failed to enforce or regulate the industry for many years (possibly since its inception).  The industry in in shambles under this Board and nothing has been done about many big problems.  In fact, the problems have been ignored or in many cases... dismissed!

• Unlicensed activity is rampant
• Dozens of security companies are without worker's comp 
• Illegal security activity is out of control 
• Felons operate openly in security 
• Felons own security companies in full knowledge of the Board 
• Felons carry guns on duty as security guards 
• Many companies have no training program for guards  
• Many large national companies are out of compliance 
• NM RLD and the PI Board issue licenses to criminals 
• Board members are in serious conflict of interest  
• Board members receive state contracts 
• Board members profit from the rules they write
• Board members act in secret 
• Board committee memberships are closed to the industry 
• Most of the Board meetings are held in closed session 
• Board members don't excuse themselves form voting on conflicting issues 
• Board meeting minutes are not accurately recorded 
• Board members dismiss complaints before meetings in violation of due process 
• Committee memberships are limited to only Board members 
• Board members authorize private investigations with state funds  
• RLD loses original state records and whole files
• RLD mailed original records out of state custody to the public 
• RLD has hired incompetent compliance liaisons and staff who are not qualified
• The Board has operated since May 5, 2008 with one vacancy  
• Someone appointed Mark Smith to the board in violation of state statute  

  

Hopefully some of these issues will be addressed by state government soon.  The New Mexico Security Industry needs urgent attention.    
  

The NM Private Investigator's Board is CLUELESS or corrupt... Is this New Mexico's next scandal?

Many people are thinking the same thing.  I am just the first to say it publicly.    

The "complaint committee" dismissed a complaint for unlicensed activity against George Davis and National Security!

Is this the same Board of Directors that used state money to investigate Davis' unlicensed and illegal activity?  Is this the same Board of Directors that is involved in a lawsuit with Mr. Davis right now?  I know that this is the same Board of Directors that I HAVE PROVIDED TOO MUCH EVIDENCE TO SHOW HIS UNLICENSED AND ILLEGAL ACTIVITY for many months.  

Did they forget that George Davis was arrested for unlicensed activity in violation of the Private Investigator's Act?  This criminal trial is tomorrow.  If you search my blog you will find six or seven good investigations that proved that Davis was operating without a license and against the law.  

Do you remember the video below?   

The New Mexico Private Investigator's Board. Conflicts of interest, politics and the dysfunctional state of the New Mexico Security Industry...

The New Mexico Private Investigator's Board has the following responsibilities under the law (taken directly from the PI Board website):

Board Member Terms

The Board consists of five members: two private investigator members, one private patrol operator member, one polygraph examiner member, and one member who represents the public.

Board Responsibility

By law, the Regulation and Licensing Department is responsible for enforcing and administering the provisions of the Private Investigations Act. The Board is appointed to assist the Department in the conduct of examinations for licensure and in any other manner to aid in the administration of the Act. The duties of the Board include review and recommendation on the development of rules, and processing applications and complaints.

61-27B-5. Administration of act; rules. (Repealed effective July 1, 2012.) C.     The department shall adopt and enforce rules necessary to carry out the provisions of the Private Investigations Act, including establishing professional ethical standards.

Currently, the New Mexico Private Investigator's Board consists of the following members (also taken strait from the PI Board website)

Board Members

	Term Expires
Donald C. Jochem, Chairman	06/30/2010
Jim Wilson	06/30/2009
Al Stotts	06/30/2010
Gurutej Khalsa	06/30/2008
Mark Smith	06/30/2010

Board Administrator Steve Herrera told me that Mark Smith was no longer on the Board because he was did not meet the requirements for appointment, despite being appointed and acting for several weeks.  There has been a Board vacancy since Butch Cassidy resigned arond May 5, 2008!  Mr. Khanlsa and Jochem are private investigators and Mr. Wilson is a polygrapher.  Mr. Stotts is a member of the public.  There is a vacancy for a private patrol operator (security company owner).  

Why isn't the Board "enforcing rules necessary to carry out the provisions of the Private Investigations Act, including establishing professional ethical standards" as the law requires?  Maybe it is because they don't care.

Is it a conflict of interest to sit on a Board while receiving hundreds of thousands of dollars from state contracts?  Mr. Khalsa's company, AKAL Security, has dozens of state contracts and is credited with the following:

"Akal is one of America’s largest security personnel firms. We’ve grown over 26 years from a small New Mexico start-up, securing small businesses in our local communities, to a major global services provider, and one of the top 100 government contractors in America. Akal Security’s unlimited commitment to serving our clients, employees and communities remains the foundation of the exceptional services our people provide every day, across the nation and around the world."

Former Board Member Butch Cassidy helped to create the new guard training standards as he and Mr. Khalsa were the only persons on the "training standards" committee.  He is the owner of Pro Force (CLICK HERE) Training, Security and Investigation based in Silver City New Mexico.  He got a sweet deal by partnering with University of New Mexico (CLICK HERE) to provide their state certified training program... He was criticized for the conflict of interest, bad training standards and not seeking the input of the New Mexico Security Industry (CLICK HERE).  He resigned his Board appointment around May 5, 2008. 

The PI Board's "complaint committee" is comprised of the Board Administrator, Mr. Khalsa and one of the Compliance Liaisons from RLD.  They review each complaint as it is received by RLD and most get dismissed.  I believe it is violation of due process for complaints to indiscriminately get dismissed.  The Board has lost dozens of complaints over the years.

The New Mexico Private Investigator's Board's failure to to carry out its state mandated duties has caused and is continuing to contribute to the complete breakdown of the New Mexico Security Industry.  I have made complaints to everyone who could make a difference and they have all been ignored. 

Whelan Security disintegrates... In Albuquerque Security.

Don't call for a job at Whelan Security because the number is disconnected! The former manager was treated very poorly and he said that he is no longer qualifying the company to do business in New Mexico.  It seems like many of their guards weren't qualified anyway based on his understanding. He was also the only trainer... except for the fact that they used a "video taped"network to offer their guard's training... Apparently, the Department of Labor had to sort out the money that this large national company owed him for setting up the operation with his personal funds...  It is truly sad that another large national firm didn't make good on its promises to their guards or their clients, etc.  I understand that many of the guards that worked for this firm are good people.  Please come apply with my company, Summit Security & Investigation if you need a good job.(2825 E Broadbent Parkway NE or on-line @ our website- CLICK HERE!) 

These are quotes about what Whelan Security says it offers to its officers (Are they true?  You decide.):

Whelan Security invites YOU to join one of the largest regional contract security providers in the United States! We are continuously searching for professional, qualified applicants looking for a career in the security industry. And, at Whelan our diverse employee benefits packages, training and professional development programs, and career progression opportunities allow us to garner talent that otherwise might not consider employment in the security industry.

What makes Whelan Security a great place to work? It is our people! At Whelan, our employees are our greatest assets - the foundation of our past success – and the cornerstone of our future.

At Whelan, we understand the importance of each individual in the success of the entire organization. We are committed to hiring and developing service-oriented security officers and managers who will excel in the unique environments of our customers’ facilities.

At Whelan, we treat every employee with dignity and respect; and we provide an atmosphere within the organization that promotes and values employee satisfaction. Our goal is to remain the ‘employer of choice’ within the contract security industry.

This is a map of Whelan's branch offices.  I guess they should scratch off Albuquerque and El Paso...

How do they keep getting away with it? The PI Board is dismissing everything before it goes anywhere! The New Mexico Security Epidemic

Everyone always asks me... How do these illegal companies continue to operate after they break the law.  What is the state doing?  Dismissing the complaints!  See below.

Download Blog-FiveO-1.pdf

OK.  Proof was easy.  We gave them a ton of proof that the company was working, video, ulicensed guards and all of that!

See the investigations by CLICKING HERE1, Here2 and Here3.  If you scan ths blog for old posts there are an additional 3 posts that deal with these issues and they have all been forwarded to the state.  Suffice to say that extensive proof was provided by me, Anthony Landavazo, Jared Pirkle and even Yvette Pohl.  It is all contained in the investigations, letters and other proof.

Jared Pirkle received this letter today...

The Private Investigator's Board is responsible for the state of the security industry in New Mexico.  It is obvious that they are not prepared to take the actions necessary to enforce their own rules and law. 

Why do criminals want to work in security? Albuquerque security...

I recently advertised for many several jobs in security in the Albuquerque area.  It always surprises me that people apply with our firm when they have criminal records.  It really frustrates me when people who are working for other security companies apply when they are convicted criminals...  

Henry O. Lucero- DOB: 1970.   Mr. Lucero applied at our firm today.  He currently works for Allied Barton Security and he lists Richard Lois as his supervisor.  He also worked for "Angel Security" (another unlicensed security company) for one year previous...

He was arrested and convicted of:

- Aggravated Fleeing a Law Enforcement Officer

- Resisting Arrest

- Reckless Driving, DWI

- Concealing ID

- DWI

  

He doesn't have a security card card or any state required training either.  Oh well....

Updates on criminal cases. Albuquerque security companies

You'll want to read these updates on the status of some of the criminal cases pending before the courts involving security company owners...

Fileberto Baca.  Founder of Albuquerque's Armed Response Team and a handful of other security companies.  He still has an active PPO license despite RLD filing affidavits of him forging letters on RLD letterhead...  No plea deals!  His case is set for trial in Neil Candaleria's court room (District Court) on November 3 at 9A.M.

Bobbie McMullin.   He ran a front security business to disguise his prostitution ring.  He is out on $100,000 cash bond and has a GPS tracking device on his leg to keep him out of trouble.  He was re-arrested but got out again with higher bond.  He is pending trial.

George T. Davis.  Davis criminal case was dismissed but the DA re-filed it and his trial is set for 10-23-08 at 2PM.  He made an "emergency" motion with the court in his civil case asking the judge to allow him to operate under "Protect Security Services" until the case was finally decided.  You don't want to know who Protect Security is registered to... that's right... It's MARY!

Brad Simmerman.  Simmerman got 364 days in jail but got let out for community corrections with a GPS monitor... Who knows what happened to the drug possession or weapons charges???

New Mexico is one of the most corrupt states in the U.S.

Corruption- impairment of integrity, virtue, or moral principle : depravity b: decay , decomposition c: inducement to wrong by improper or unlawful means (as bribery) d: a departure from the original or from what is pure or correct.

The saga continues. You don't have to watch the news to know that New Mexico is corrupt and enforces its laws selectively. I think New Mexicans instinctively know that they live in a corrupt state and "you have to know someone" in order to get things done. This blog has featured many, many examples of blatant violations of the law. It has also featured the incompetency of New Mexico's Regulation and Licensing Division and the New Mexico Private Investigator's Board to administer or enforce security laws and regulations.

Readers should know that almost nothing has been done about any of the issues that we have brought forward on this blog, save a number of arrests. RLD hasn't taken much action except sending a few letters to customers of unlicensed companies. No fines, no suspensions, no notices of contemplated actions. They say that they referred a number of licensees to the Attorney General's Office for prosecution but we have not seen any enforcement thus far.

Manny Aragon has been a symbol of corruption in New Mexico government for a long time but there are other examples still in power at the time of this writing. Why are people and security companies allowed to lie and forge documents to get licenses? How can numerous felons be allowed to operate as security guards or company owners with no oversight from the state? How can the Private Investigator's Board lose or destroy original records without repercussions? How can this idiotic behavior continue through months of the "new RLD Administration's" tenure? When will anything change?

I think there is no expectation for permanent change in New Mexico license law or regulation enforcement. The criminals in the Albuquerque security industry are hoping that law enforcement turns a blind eye on their activities just a little longer... It's just security- right? What is the worst that can happen?

Legit Security is still at it... Albuquerque security

I guess old habits die hard... I found this advertisement, which was posted on the "Go Big Network" only a couple of weeks ago. I guess the old saying still holds true- "buyer beware!"

CLICK HERE to find out about a complaint made by a former Legit Security employee to the Governor...

Security Company Looking for INVESTORS - Albuquerque, New Mexico

Investment Needed:
$10 Mil

Company: Legit Security Inc.
Industry: Legal
Location: Albuquerque, NM
Post By: Bobby Rodriguez
Post Date: 10/2/2008
Year Founded: 2006
Legal Status: Undisclosed
Business Stage: N/A
Annual Sales: Above $1M
Credit Card Sales: No

Funding Request Description
Looking for investors capital needed.

Contact: Bobby Rodriguez, President
Legit Security Inc.
630 Manzano NE Suite A
Albuquerque, NM 87110

Albuquerque Security companies continue to steal from their workers...

I continue to get many e-mails from New Mexico security guards who are getting ripped off by their employers for overtime pay. Why do you put up with it? NM law requires EVERY EMPLOYER to pay overtime to any employee who works over 40 hours in a 7 day period. That means that you must get paid at 1.5 times your wage if you work more than 40 hours in a 7 day period!

One Albuquerque security company requires its guards/patrol officers to obtain a certain number of rounds through properties or "hits" as it is referred to in the industry. This company tells its officers that if they don't make the required number of hits in an 8 hour shift then they must continue to work after the shift to get the required amount.

THIS PRACTICE IS ILLEGAL! Overtime must be paid in this circumstance and anyone who says otherwise is a liar.

Check out the US Department of Labor guidelines below or the website. Of course, if you work for the company I am referring to you already know your boss is a liar- right?

Other Albuquerque security companies don't pay their guards overtime, pay them as independent contractors (against the law) and deduct improper amounts out of their pay. All of this is against the law.

NM Guards need to finally understand that there are ethical security companies out there that don't treat their guards this way. You don't have to accept unfair treatment and your career may be tarnished if you work for the wrong company/boss. Some guards want to pursue law enforcement as a future career. Police departments verify all employment, licensing and training. How will you get into the police academy if you work for a crook? Police and Sheriff's Departments know who these guys are and everyone should know that working for unethical people will get you nowhere.

Click here for forms and instructions to make a wage claim.

Under the new FairPay rules, workers earning less than $23,660 per year — or $455 per week — are guaranteed overtime protection. This will strengthen overtime rights for 6.7 million American workers, including 1.3 million low-wage workers who were denied overtime under the old rules. To learn more about the new regulations that take effect on August 23, 2004 visit the Federal Department of Labor's Website at http://www.dol.gov/esa/regs/compliance/whd/fairpay/main.htm