New Mexico Security Blog by Robb Hamic

Albuquerque- Elyte Security's new phone number is 505-323-1982.

July 31, 2009- Albuquerque, NM--     Albuquerque's Elyte Security's new phone number is 505-323-1982.

Security Management Magazine shines some light on NM's security problems..

July 31, 2009- The Security Management Magazine published by ASIS shines some light on the New Mexico Security problem.  Read the article published in their July 2009 issue distributed Internationally.

robb@callsummit.com

Summit Security & Investigation Website

Negligent Security in New Mexico. Robb Hamic: "A disaster waiting to happen."

July 31, 2009- Albuquerque, NM-     As the economy continues to deteriorate, an increasing number of New Mexicans are becoming the victim of crimes on commercial properties, gas stations, grocery stores, parking lots, restaurants, night clubs, bars, apartments, property management, hotels and every conceivable other place that people operate for profit.  Business owners have a distinct duty or standard of care to protect their customers, tenants, residents and invitees from injury, crime, danger and risk.  A risk assessment is the first step in determining potential risks.  Business owners in New Mexico are not good about performing risk assessments or the measures that are required to provide adequate security.  

Don't be the victim.  Contact me if you have been injured.  I may be able to help. 

robb@callsummit.com

Property Managers and owners- this is for you!

Countless property managers have been surveyed to determine details of their risk assessment and property security programs. The results were very disappointing because of the apparent lack of understanding of premises liability and negligent security issues on the part of those managers responding to the survey.

The survey results indicate that the overwhelming majority of property managers and owners would not be able to successfully defend litigation for negligent security. The plaintiff would probably be successful in demonstrating that, at best, there was a minimal attempt to identify risk. A negligent action would result in injury.

The surveys were sent to property managers for commercial properties. The properties included apartments/condominiums, office buildings, hotels/motels, retail stores/malls, manufacturing/assembly facilities, and industrial parks. The results of the surveys reported:

• Fifty-seven percent of the respondents had not conducted any type of risk assessment for their  properties. The remaining respondents had conducted some form of risk assessment within the previous two years.
  • The property manager or an independent security consultant conducted the assessments. The analysis tasks included the identification of security risks and vulnerabilities existing within or on the facility property and inspection of the facility to identify actual or potential security vulnerabilities resulting from the facility design or maintenance. Only one survey conducted reported meeting with local law enforcement officials to identify the crime problem within the area.
  • None reported meeting with adjacent businesses to identify common security risks and vulnerabilities or meeting with staff members and tenants to identify their security knowledge and concerns.
  • The minimal actions of the security consultants to identify potential risks bring into question their professional knowledge of premises liability and negligent security claims. This identifies the necessity to ensure that the consultant has the skills and knowledge to best meet your needs.
  • One property reported that a consultant had conducted a risk assessment but there was no written report of findings. The plaintiff’s attorney will certainly directly state or imply that there was a “cover up” of risks on the property.
• More than half of the respondents reported that security instructions, policies and procedures had been compiled but were not readily available to staff members.

The circus continues... Ron Haley and ICU Security are providing unlicensed, illegal security in Albuquerque

By Scott Bass, a licensed PPO Manager and Albuquerque security company owner

Robb, I will answer your question as to why People are digging your blog for info in Ron Haley! Ron Haley is soliciting security business in the Albuquerque area and the State of New Mexico illegally! That’s right Ron Haley is breaking the Law! Haley is soliciting business under the I.C.U. Security LLC; which he set up. The apple does not fall far from the tree.  Haley was tied into Baca and Stidham and the Legit crew that is not so Legit. In better terms; the tree should be cut down and BURNED! JUST TO MAKE THIS CLEAR; RON HALEY IS NOT AND NEVER HAS BEEN LICENSED IN THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO AS PRIVATE PATROL OPERATOR. 

Haley is pitching his business I.C.U Security and telling those who are not doing due diligence on Security Firms that he is licensed to do business in the state of New Mexico. Ron Haley, if no one has told you- this is illegal. Ron it is like when you catch some one speeding while you are a Police Officer that upholds the law in Bosque Farms and you write them a ticket. The person broke the law- right?

 Ron Haley and ICU are breaking the law on a much larger scale.  This brings me to another question.  Why do you break the law in contradiction to your position as Police Officer?

MEMO TO RON HALEY:

What's up with Ron Haley? The blog has gotten 200 visits since midnight searching for info on him..

July 28, 2009- Albuquerque, NM--     I thought Ron Haley went away.  Why are so many people in Albuquerque interested in him so suddenly?  E-mail or comment please.

Joe Stidham didn't renew his PPO license.

Joe Stidham didn't renew his PPO license.  

Robb Hamic tells Albuquerque crime victims how to recover damages for negligent/ inadequate security...

July 27, 2009- New Mexico--     The owners of commercial properties and business owners must protect people that come on their property.  Places like: convenience stores, gas stations, restaurants, bars, nightclubs, apartments, office buildings, malls, have a responsibility to maintain reasonably safe premises for their tenants and guests.  If their negligent security or inadequate security measures have resulted in an injury caused by another person's criminal act, the commercial property owner or business owner may be liable for the resulting damages.  Business owners that hire unlicensed on uninsured security companies may also be held liable for injuries.

Victims of sexual assaults, shootings, murders, and other violent crimes may be able to recover damages from the property owner or security company. Unfortunately, many crime victims are not even aware that money damages exists for third party responsibility for criminal acts. 

The insurance industry has tried to eliminate coverage for "assault and battery" from commercial establishment insurance policies but this does not eliminate the business owner's liability.

There are an ever-increasing amount of property owners using unlicensed and uninsured security companies and guards in Albuquerque to save on costs.  This is negligent and every business that hires a security company should be aware of the company's license and insurance status.  The security company is responsible for providing background checked, trained and equipped guards to protect customers, invitees and guests.  All too often, some security companies don't follow the law and put the wrong guards on patrol.  Sometimes people get hurt because of this practice.  In addition, property owners are responsible for providing adequate security coverage and control the hours that guards are assigned.  If you were hurt and a guard was not present this may cause liability on the part of the business owner.

Many business owners are taking the lowest bids for security in Albuquerque from Unlicensed and uninsured companies that are cutting corners to provide the lowest prices.  These companies can bid up to 30% lower than a fully licensed and insured company.  CLICK HERE for information on a fully licensed, bonded and insured company that provides professional guards.  

I would like to hear from anyone who was injured as a result of negligent or inadequate security in New Mexico and particularly Albuquerque. 

Elyte Security of Albuquerque is... Who knows..

Albuquerque, NM-     Nobody knows what is happening with this company.  They have a couple of patrol vehicles (most have been repossessed) and creditors are hot on their trail.  Its owner, Stan Benavidez recently filed bankruptcy.  The listed telephone numbers are disconnected. Benavidez renewed his PPO license# 2354 and Elyte Security LLC has an active PPO Trade license # 2355.  But..

The listed phone number 505-323-9122 has been disconnected.  It has an active business license under this name and number.  

The Sheriff seized property from Elyte in reference to a Writ of Execution on a judgement and apparently there is a sale of property upcoming..  Two additional large lawsuits follow this company from US New Mexico Federal Credit Union.

  

07/16/2009	AFFIDAVIT OF PUBLICATION
	FILING AFFIDAVIT OF PUBLICATION OF SHERIFF'S NOTICE OF SALE
	06/21/09 THRU 07/12/09 IN THE ALBUQ JOURNAL <ATTACHMENT>
	(PL)

Bankruptcy Report

View Real-Time Docket

     Date Filed: 06/03/2009
     Chapter: 7
     Filing Status: JOINT, Voluntary
     Case Number: 0912412
     Court Location: NEW MEXICO - ALBUQUERQUE

     Debtor Information: 
          Name: STANLEY PATRICK BENAVIDEZ III
          SSN: xxx-xx-xxxx
          AKAs: STAN BENAVIDEZ
     

          Name: CLARA SANDOVAL BENAVIDEZ
          SSN: xxx-xx-xxxx
         

  

Los Alamos Laboratories security provider is laying off some guards

July 24, 2009- Los Alamos, NM-   (AP) - A company that provides uniformed guards for Los Alamos National Laboratory, SOC Los Alamos, plans to cut up to 18 jobs.

The action is being taken because of a reduction in funding, according to a company e-mail forwarded to the Los Alamos Monitor by SOC Los Alamos general manager Ken Freeman.

SOC is encouraging workers to apply for a voluntary separation to minimize layoffs.

The reductions are expected to be completed by Sept. 30.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

This is not a drill. Real gun training- ammo included!

This is not a drill!

We all know that the states CHL/ CCW license requirements and training is geared towards legal issues and basic gun safety. It is good that basically anyone who qualifies can get a license but then there is the matter of why we want to bear arms and conceal our handguns. Carrying a gun for duty is no different.  We must be prepared for violent attacks.

In violent, stressful situations we all revert down to our lowest level of training. Is yours enough? Seriously- have you practiced and attained muscle memory of a full gun deployment (however you carry it) under stress and pressure? If not, how can you be certain it will work in a dark place when a thug is running at you with a knife?

I am a firearms instructor and I am a published author. I write for IALEFI Magazine and other LE Training publications. I train military units, entire police agencies, instructor cadre and private citizens. I am a NRA Law Enforcement Firearms instructor in many disciplines but my main specialty is Israeli Combat Shooting. Don't let the word 'combat' scare you. If someone attacks you- it is combat, believe me.

Check out my system, blog and website. I have included a lot of video, pictures and articles about self-defense. Receive training in a well-rounded system designed for everyone from trainers who have survived violent confrontations on the street and battlefield. My system is well suited for women, men, police and military. No experience necessary.

In addition, we have surplus supplies of bullets and sell our students plenty of rounds for our training, at reasonable prices. I know that everyone is concerned about having enough rounds to practice- this takes the worry out of it. Training is provided locally in the places listed below and by seminar or class in the US.

Please contact me with your interest.

For NM Gun Training call Instructor Ryan Fellows: 505-463-7820

For TX Gun Training call Instructor Robb Hamic: 512-284-0087

For Seminars call Robb Hamic: 512-284-0087

Robb Hamic, President Summit Self-Defense

robb@israelicombatshooting.com

Blog: http://www.personalselfdefense.info

Websites: http://www.israelicombatshooting.com

http://www.taostactical.com

http://www.summitselfdefense.com

Offices in Austin Texas, Albuquerque New Mexico and San Francisco California

Seminars and classes given to groups, individuals, military units and law enforcement agencies on-site in the U.S.

Proper use of force and law enforcement/ security's over-reliance on weapons

July 22, 2009- Albuquerque, NM--     I review a lot of use of force incidents as a law enforcement/ military and security trainer.  Most military engagements are usually pretty strait forward.  There is a lot of gray area when security and law enforcement officers deal with the public and resort to use of force. All departments have a use of force continuum or 'ladder,' but it is not followed in countless incidents.

I recall a recent incident in Austin where a Travis County Constable used a Taser on response to the verbal resistance from a older lady.  The incident made national news and illustrated the fact that a greater degree of force was used on this elderly woman to meet the threat she posed to the Officer. This occurrence wasn't necessarily uncommon, it was just 'caught on tape.'  

The generalized use of force ladder for most agencies is the same.  When you are confronted with a resistive person and you have determined that you must use force you start with your presence.  A good strong presence may deter further escalation of force.  Next is verbal action or commands.  Many people comply with commands.  Then there is empty hand control or force on force.  OC spray/ chemical spray and Taser often are on the same level, which is the next greater degree of force.  Impact devices, such as an expandable baton, is the next level.  Finally, deadly force is the final level of force that may be used in permissible situations.

Many police or security officers skip many of the levels of force and go strait to Taser or OC Spray in confrontations when the situation could be handled with a lesser degree of force. "Good hand to hand techniques are essential for an officer to use the least amount of force necessary to control a situation," says Rob Hamic.  This is the area where officers receive the least amount of training and have the least amount of confidence, thus moving to weapons instead of handling people with their hands.

Officers can seek out additional training because most departments offer no advanced or ongoing training after the police academy.  Seriously.  It astounds me that officers are not prepared to deal with the very situations that they encounter on a daily basis.  Confidence comes from practice and muscle memory.  If you wear a badge, you owe it to the forth (4th) amendment to use the least amount of force to take a person into custody or defend yourself or a third party.  Why use a Taser on a 70 year old lady when you can easily take her down and put her into handcuffs, if that is what you need to do?

Security is in a different category all together.  Most officers receive very little empty hand techniques in the small amount of basic license training.  Ongoing training is all self-initiated and it is pretty had to afford training on $8 hr.  It is sad because many good officers want continual training but they can't afford it in terms of money or time.  The security company bears responsibility because they know the low level of training that the officers have when they contract with business to provide security.  They often sell a different package than the actual guard who arrives on the scene to provide the service.  The customer (business) say that they want good security but they often choose the lowest bidder and that is sometimes from an unlicensed or illegal security company.  These companies can make lower bids by not paying certain insurance costs (worker's compensation, general liability, vehicle), taxes and other expenses; improving their margins by as much as 30%.  This is how a bad company can under bid a good one.  There is not much profit is doing security the right way.

The people to suffer or get beat up are sometimes completely innocent of anything except running into an inexperienced and scared officer who doesn't know how to use his/her hands and resorts to a higher level of force.  Law Enforcement and security have a duty to do the right thing and have a reasonable standard of care that must be followed.  People who are injured may seek damages and there are attorney's that specialize in negligent security, improper use of force and other liability issues.

Make a comment below or e-mail me.         

Nicholas Panagoulakos is licensed as a PPO effective June 30, 2009

Albuquerque, NM- Nicholas Panagoulakos is licensed as a PPO as of June 30, 2009.

Good luck to him. His license shows his DBA as his name. If this is inaccurate, I suggest that he 

puts pressure on RLD to register the proper Trade Name so that customers won't be confused

if they call to check this license status of the company. I don't know why RLD didn't register a 

company name.

DBA:	Nicholas Panagoulakos
Lic #:	2362		Profession:	Private Invstgrs & Polygraph		Type:	Private Patrol Operator		Secondary:
Status:	Active		Issued:	6/30/2009		Expiry:	6/30/2011		Effective:	6/30/2009

Negligent and inadequate security in Albuquerque New Mexico

Albuquerque, NM- July 21, 2009--     I have been contacted by many people (victims, attorney guards and security companies) regarding the issue of negligent or inadequate security on the part of businesses in Albuquerque and New Mexico.  In my opinion, it has always been a problem but with our worsening economy it is becoming more of a problem.  People are getting hurt on properties that have a long history of violence and the owners/ managers are well aware of the risks posed to customers and employees.  The customers and employees are almost always unsuspecting.

Inadequate Security/Negligent Security

Inadequate security or negligent security cases involve the failure of business proprietors, such as mall and shopping center operators, apartment and residential rental housing owners, hotels and motels, restaurants, etc., to implement reasonable and ordinary security measures for the protection of their customers from crime when necessary for the protection of the customers. As a general rule, business proprietors are not liable for crime occurring on their property. However, if there has been a pattern of crime on and about the business property, or if the nature of the business makes it peculiarly susceptible to criminal activity, the law will impose upon a business owner a duty to implement reasonable security measures designed to prevent or deter future crimes. Such measures may include increased or better lighting, security guards, better or additional locks, perimeter protection and overall improved maintenance of the business property. A breach of this duty is called negligence. 

Albuquerque has one of the highest per-capita violent crime rates in the nation! 

Negligent security also happens when a security provider is hired by a business and does not perform their job.  In many cases, security guards have injured people through negligence which involves not being trained.  In some cases, security guards have received no training and they hurt people.  Security company owners choose to employ guards who have poor criminal records or a history of violence. People ho are injured by security guards often have the following causes of action: negligent hiring, negligent retention, negligent training and negligent supervision.

 It is important to mention that the business has total control over security, its practices, hours assigned, duties, man-power, directives, etc. and that many businesses are scrimping on security to make more property at the expense of their customers.

Have you been hurt in a Negligent Security type of incident in Albuquerque or in New Mexico?  If so, i would like to hear from you.  robb@callsummit.com   

UNM Hospital's Security Director Passes away.

July 21, 2009- Albuquerque, NM-    I received word that UNMH's Security Director passed away.  Vito will be missed and I am told that he was a very good man.  He was a positive presence in Albuquerque Security and he will be missed.

http://www.kob.com/article/stories/S1035395.shtml?cat=516

Licensed Santa Fe Security Guard kills girl and her baby..

July 8, 2009-  Santa Fe, NM--     Corey Pein and the Santa Fe Reporter did a good job in telling this horrible story of a predictable event that shocked New Mexico.

Read the full story: CLICK HERE

Detective Trujillo thinks it happened like this.

It was a Friday night, May 22. Reno—in uniform, with Mace and pistol—was beginning the graveyard shift. 

He and Sarah were arguing over the phone again. In her room, Julie Lovato could hear them through the walls.

Minutes after getting off the phone, Sarah went to Julie’s bedroom. Soon the sisters heard Reno barge in. They heard Bennie Sr. yell, “You just don’t walk in here like that!”
Reno refused to leave. Julie followed Sarah into the hall. 

“What the hell,” Reno shouted, “What are you going to do about it?”

Julie fled to her brother’s place nearby, hoping he could help. Running down the stairs, she heard Sarah’s voice for the last time: “Please Reno, no.”

Then she heard a shot. Moments later, more shots. People were finally calling 911. Bennie Jr., who once pulled a knife on his family, grabbed a baseball bat and ran to save his father and sister.

Reno was gone. The room smelled of Mace. Bennie Sr. lay dead in the living room, pregnant Sarah lay dead in the kitchen. 

“We think the fetus was targeted specifically,” Trujillo says.

She was 17, he was 36 weeks in the womb.