This blog features issues and problems concerning the security and investigation industry in Albuquerque and New Mexico. Robb Hamic publishes this blog with his opinions and other authors contribute information but it contains thousands of public records, police reports, court cases, etc., which are not opinions... Bear in mind that people are innocent until convicted and police reports, civil lawsuits and indictments only indicate that a person or the state has made a complaint against an individual, unless their was an arrest or Court case... This blog contains security guard training information and personal self defense issues.
Guard Hailed As a Hero Boston Globe (10/29/09) Ebbert, Stephanie; Schworm, Peter
Security guard Paul Langone has thus far been cleared of any wrongdoing after he shot and killed a patient who was stabbing a psychiatrist at the Massachusetts General Hospital clinic. Thus far the official investigation of the incident indicates that Langone entered a clinic room after hearing screams. At that point he found therapist Astrid Desrosiers being stabbed by a patient. Langone ordered the patient to drop his weapon, but was ignored, and Langone was forced to open fire. Thanks to Langone's actions, which are being described as heroic by investigators, Desrosiers is reportedly now on her way to recovery. Although Langone has been asked by authorities not to speak to the press at this stage in the investigation, his father described him as a well-trained special officer- a designation given to security guards who work at private companies, but who are licensed by Boston police. Langone did not work at the clinic, and his father did not say why he was there. However, the clinic is housed in a building with a number of other hospital, dental, and medical research offices.
October 29, 2009- Albuquerque, NM- I have received a copy of Gil Baca's criminal latest indictment (but surely not the last). It is long and interesting if you like reading about his exploits. In his normal and obvious fashion Baca, who publishes a blog, has responded to the charges. Keep in mind that it seems to be common knowledge that he solely publishes this blog but he often refers to himself as a person interviewed by a third party. He has blamed me, of all people, for the indictment. Read his quote below:
Well we talked to Mr. Baca about these charges and he responded. "Its unfortunate that a local business owner and purchaser of my accusers company could manipulate he system enough to for me and my family to have to defend ourselves in the criminal judicial system. I'm sure that lady liberty will be fair and just. There is so much more to this case that will be layed out to a jury. As a follower of Christ I know that he will lead me and protect me from my enemy's. Please keep us in your pryers."
October 28, 2009- Albuquerque, NM- There will be a lot of press regarding Gil Baca and his legal troubles but it is important for me to point out that the overall security industry is still plagued with problems. The industry has received a lot of notice from the general public and the news media over the last couple of years but we have yet to see any substantial changes.
We haven't seen much leadership or policy/ discussion that positively effects the security industry from the NM Private Investigator's Board. Take a look at the news on the STATE WEBSITE. The previous Board Superintendent was Mr. Steve Herrera and he seemed to be getting acclimated but he was replaced with a new Administrator a few weeks ago. The Board was using an outside investigative service and a former APD Investigator to investigate complaints but I was told by license clerk Michelle Medina that the Board no longer uses this firm. She said that Steve Herrera is now investigating complaints. Each month, I see many dismissals of complaints and we never hear about any actions taken against illegal or non-compliant companies.
RLD Superintendent Kelly O'Donnell told a few news reporters that a good handful of companies were being investigated and that RLD had referred a number of cases to the Attorney General but I unaware of any cases that have been adjudicated.
Unlicensed activity is rampant and still very obvious to licensed companies. Unlicensed or illegal companies advertise freely in the open in directories across the Internet. Look at a few below (unlicensed companies are more prevalent than the licensed firms):
The list of illegal companies is long and they create many problems, just like Gil Baca's companies. Think about the potentially unpaid employees, scammed clients and vendors, etc.
Security consumers must beware of the problems in this industry and understand that they need to do diligence when choosing a security company that, at minimum, should include a state security license check. CLICK HERE for the state website. There are plenty of good companies out there that operate under all laws and comply with regulations. Please take the time to find one and report unlicensed activity.
October 27, 2009- Albuquerque, NM- 770 KKOB was first on the air with the Baca indictment tonight. He reported the news and here was the report tonight:
THE FORMER MANAGER OF A LOCAL SECURITY GUARD BUSINESS IS FACING MORE THAN A CENTURY IN JAIL.
GILBERT BACA -- THE THIRD-- HAS BEEN INDICTED ON 77 COUNTS OF EMBEZZLEMENT AND FORGERY . BERNALILLO COUNTY PROSECUTORS SAY BACA USED JOB APPLICANT'S SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBERS TO CREATE FAKE TIME SHEETS. BACA THEN SUBMITTED THOSE TO THE OWNER OF SKILL STORM SECURITY. AFTER THE OWNER PROCESSED THE WEEKLY PAYROLL CHECKS BACA IS ACCUSED OF SIGNING AND DEPOSITING THEM INTO HIS OWN ACCOUNT. POLICE INVESTATORS SAY THEY ALSO FOUND EVIDENCE HE DEPOSITED CLIENT'S CHECKS FOR GUARD SERVICES INTO HIS OWN BANK ACCOUNT. AFTER BEING FIRED - BACA OPENED ANOTHER SECURITY COMPANY. HIS PARTNER AT LEGIT SECURITY IS THE BOSQUE FARMS POLICE CHIEF. JOE STIDHAM (STID-ham) WAS NOT INDICTED. BACA WILL BE ARRAIGNED NEXT MONTH
IF YOU WORKED AS A SECURITY GUARD IN 2005 OR 2006 YOU MIGHT WANT TO CHECK YOUR OLD INCOME TAX FORMS. 770KKOB'S PETER ST. CYR TELL US WHY
EMPLOYEES AND PEOPLE WHO APPLIED TO WORK AT SKILLSTORM SECURITY MIGHT HAVE PAID INCOME TAXES ON MONEY THEY NEVER GOT. THE MANAGER OF THE COMPANY, WHICH IS NO LONGER IN BUSINESS IN ABQ, HAS BEEN INDICTED ON 77 COUNTS OF EMBEZZLEMENT AND FORGERY. BERNALILLO COUNTY PROSECUTORS SAY GILBERT BACA III FORGED PAYROLL CHECKS AND THEN DEPOSITED THEM IN HIS PERSONAL ACCOUNT. PATRICK DAVIS TELLS 770KKOB IF BACA IS CONVICTED ON ALL THE CHARGES HE'LL FACE A LONG PRISON SENTENCE.
BACA WILL BE BOOKED AT THE METRO DETENTION CENTER AFTER HIS ARRAIGNMENT IN NOVEMBER.
ANOTHER SECURITY GUARD COMPANY OWNER HAS BEEN INDICTED. IT TOOK THREE YEARS TO INVESTIGATE A COMPLEX WHITE-COLLAR CRIME CASE AGAINST GILBERT BACA (THE THIRD), BUT BERNALILLO COUNTY PROSECUTORS HAVE NOW CHARGED HIM WITH 77 COUNTS OF EMBEZZLEMENT AND FORGERY -- DISTRICT ATTORNEY SPOKESMAN PATRICK DAVIS TELLS 770KKOB THIS RENT-A-COP MANAGER STOLE MONEY FROM HIS EMPLOYEE'S IN A BRAZEN WAY.
770KKOB TALKED TO BACA ON THE PHONE. HE DENIES THE CHARGES. IF CONVICTED -- HE COULD FACE 102 YEARS IN PRISON. BACA HAS NOT BEEN ARRESTED. HE'LL FACE ARRAIGNMENT IN NOVEMBER.
Gil Baca and his crew have been on the news many times for various violations of law, scandals, non-payment of wages to countless employees, license violations, etc. Several news outlets have followed this story and I am sure that they will begin releasing more stories that further document Baca's crimes and accomplices. Baca was indicted on 77 counts and faces up to 102 years. This information was obtained from the Second Judicial District Court in Albuquerque.
I have never agreed with G3's business practices and done my part to expose his corruption despite all of his personal attacks against me. I anticipated that Baca would attempt to talk bad about me thorough his weak, anonymous blogs and misinformation. His efforts were as transparent (as his crimes) and the ownership of his stupid blogs were revealed to me when I made an arbitration claim against him and prevailed. It sickens me to think about how many lives he hurt and or ruined through his scams but in the end his lies and smoke and mirrors didn't work. The Grand Jury obviously didn't buy what he was selling.. LOL. 77 counts! That must be some kind of record.
Don't forget to visit the not fully updated (but almost full) page about much of Baca's 'escapades' and evil deeds. You can also scroll backwards on the main blog page to check out the more recent pages...
October 27, 2009- Albuquerque, NM- Consumers need reliable Albuquerque Security guards for events, patrol, temporary, hotel, buildings, facilities and mobile security. Summit Security & Investigation, based in Albuquerque is the answer. Summit offers immediate response to your needs, temporary or permanent. Summit employs a large permanent guard force with excellent supervisors who are working 24/7 in the Albuquerque metro area. All supervisors have company cell phones and are on call 24/7 if they are not physically working to ensure client satisfaction.
Summit Securityspecializes in providing security for very large or small events. We have recently performed security for the following events:
Albuquerque Greek Festival- 12,000 people
International Balloon Fiesta Arts and Crafts- 50,000 people
Molina Health Care Facility
Ethan Allen Sales Event
Albuquerque Convention Center Event
Corn Maze
Temporary Pharmacy Armed guard service
Construction site temporary service due to a large theft
Business security due to a break in
Property management request for fire-watch security
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Summit offers the best pay in the industry, constant work/ schedules for its guards, full health insurance benefits, promotions and company equipment. Its guards offer Summit's clients the best service available and complete accountability. Summit's experience in Albuquerque Security guarantees success through constant employee supervision and good communication with its clients.
Contact us now for immediate service. Out of state clients are welcomed. Credit Cards accepted. NM Licenses #2114, 1650; insured and bonded.
**Summit Self Defense (SSD) offers very specialized training for law enforcement, security officers and private individuals. SSD has a school in Albuquerque and specializes in women's self defense, security officer's state required training and advanced law enforcement programs. SSD's instructors are state certified concealed carry instructors (CCW) and also offer gun deployment classes, Israeli Combat Shooting and certified law enforcement training in handgun, shotgun patrol rifle and tactics. Summit Self Defense's instructors teach classes weekly on the following topics: Commando Krav Maga, Personal Defense Readiness (PDR), ground survival, defensive tactics and awareness. Contact Robb Hamic for training opportunities: 505-255-7233.**
October 27, 20099- Albuquerque, NM- Albuquerque police officers and security guards beware! As students, we all bet our lives on our instruction for reality based self defense. Think about it. Self defense is not martial arts. It is used to detect, deter or defend against a violent, potentially life ending attack. It is meant for the 3% of society who want to kill us and do harm to our families. Murderers, rapists, home invaders, gang members, stalkers, mean people, workplace violence, kidnapping, car jacking or just a plain street fighters are the ones who will bring this kind of fight to us. As always, I have to give credit to the master instructors that I train under, especially Tony Blauer, Tony Torres and Tom Arcuri as many of these concepts are taken directly from my own training.
No offense or disrespect to any instructor but who are they? What do they teach? Have they or their students used the tactics taught to defend themselves or their families violent attacks? Do they train for real life scenarios? Do they train under stress and with full contact? Are the tactics taught just theory or does everyone test them against full contact fights that come by surprise by bad guys that really fight? Many martial arts have nothing to do with self defense in a real life context. Consider these definitions:
Martial arts are systems of codified practices and traditions of training. While they may be studied for various reasons. In addition, some martial arts are linked to beliefs. Many arts are also practiced competitively, but may also take the form of dance.
Self-defense is the act of defending oneself, one's property or the well-being of another from physical harm. The use of the right of self-defense as a legal justification for the use of force is available in many jurisdictions, but the interpretation varies widely. To be aquitted of any kind of physical harm-related crime (such asassault and battery and homicide) using the self-defense justification, one must prove legal provocation, meaning that one must prove that they were in a position where not using self-defense would most likely lead to significant injury to life, limb, or property.
No offense to martial arts instructors. I love martial arts and practice several myself but everything has its place. Some things work in the dojo but you would or could never use them in the street. As a self defense coach and instructor I have to switch hats and teach my students gross motor skill movements that are fast, effective and accessible in a real fight, attack or ambush. My goal is to give everyone something from my seminars and classes that they can use right away and not to create a self perpetuating situation where a student has to come to class twice a week, for years to learn the best stuff. I make it easy and simple and teach the same stuff to women, men, mature kids, military and law enforcement.
We employ the latest phycological research, fear management, conflict management, recognition, non violent postures, choice speech and if necessary effective self defense tactics that work in real life. I lecture on use of force, imminent jeopardy and the legal ramifications of using self defense. In a real fight you have thee fights to consider:
-The fight with yourself before the actual fight begins (emotional)
-The fight with the bad guy
-The fight in court (civilly) or with law enforcement (criminally)
I have been involved in reality self defense 'systems' that purport to be reality based. It sounded good to me and I thought I was getting the real deal but upon reflection; I may have wasted some time and money. It all comes down to this: if you have a system that sets up a predetermined attack and it is rehearsed by students under controlled situations, it is not realistic. If it is called reality then set up as a cognitive drill it may not be 'real' reality. Real fights are ugly, mean, fast and often by surprise. They look like this video below..
If you notice, the fights look very similar.. Ugly and unrefined. No fancy moves by either person. The attacks initiated a haymaker punch or dirty tackle as Primary Initiation Attack (PIA). This is a compilation of attacks from all over and it gives us some insight to how fights really happen.
Do you train for these kinds of attacks in your self defense training? When you train- does the "bad guy" act appropriately? It is important. Maybe even life and death important.
I was recently certified as a Ballistic Micro Fight Instructor at Blauer Tactical Systems in Virginia Beach. This is an additional certification under the Personal Defense Readiness (PDR) system. Take a look at this video and pay particular attention to the attacks and responses by the students. This is as close to real as you get. Tony Blauer created High Gear Suits that allow for a full range of movement in a full-on fight so that students can fight force on force and minimize injury. High Gear is the only option for those who want to train at full speed and practice tactics full contact without serious injury.
Summit Self Defense has integrated PDR's principals into its self defense system. We deliver realistic training to women, men, military and law enforcement locally, nationally and internationally. We have a number of certified instructors and we specialize in all self defense options such as: personal safety, verbal de-escalation tactics, threat recognition, use of force curriculum, women's self defense, hand to hand combatitives, gun deployment, concealed handgun licensing, Taser deployment and OC use and deployment.
We have schools and training locally in the following metro areas: Austin, Albuquerque and San Francisco. We also train locally in Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, Santa Fe and the Bay Area and South of San Francisco as far as Monterey.
We travel nationwide to deliver a variety of training to corporations (both as a speaker/trainer and workplace violence training and response), groups, organizations, law enforcement agencies, military units and individuals who need a diversity of self defense or combatitive options for their vulnerabilities and environments.
Following TASER International's recent bulletin advising officers to avoid shooting a suspect in the chest, PoliceOne spoke with leading TASER experts and trainers about how this announcement affects training and deployment of TASERs in the field.
The bulletin describes a "best practices" approach for officers to consider, taking into account recent research data. The bulletin, according to a memo sent by Vice President of Training Rick Guilbault, "should not be interpreted as a significant change in how the products should be used, [but should be] viewed as a best practice that mitigates risk-management issues resulting in more effective deployments while maximizing safety considerations."
"I'm fine with the new TASER advisory," says Major Steve Ijames, developer and lead instructor for the National Tactical Officers Association land IACP's less lethal "train the trainer" programs.
"I'll change my teaching [on using TASERs], not out of the fear that something bad will happen, but because if you look at the logic behind TASER's explanation, it just makes good sense."
Ijames is referring to the approach of lowering the preferred target zone by a few inches to "lower center mass" (instead of the upper chest area), where research shows that a TASER shot can be more effective in bringing a suspect down.
“Integrating aiming points into a single spot below the sternum is completely logical and sensible,” Ijames says.
Captain Greg Meyer, a TASER expert for more than 30 years and a police use-of-force consultant, has handled numerous cases of sudden in-custody death, some involving TASER and some not.
When asked about TASER's advisory, Meyer says, "The idea of training officers to avoid the chest strikes me as a risk-management move to take away the heart-attack argument during litigation.”
Meyer explained that training has continuously stressed the importance of aiming at a suspect’s back whenever possible:
“The large muscle groups of the back make it more likely that a full neuromuscular incapacitation will occur, and make it less likely that the subject will see it coming and have the opportunity to evade the probes, or reach up and pull them out. None of this is new, and has nothing to do with avoiding the area of the heart. It has been the preferable procedure for the more than 30 years that TASERs have been out there."
TASER International spokesman Steve Tuttle reinforces Meyer’s claim: “Deploying the probes to the back and splitting the belt line with exposures is the most effective deployment to achieve incapacitation and has been taught for many years now.”
However, Street Survival Seminar lead instructor Lt. Jim Glennon says that the problem with this advisory is that “in a fluid, dynamic use-of-force situation – a violent encounter with a suspect facing you – we will now be trying to direct a police officer to take aim for an area that doesn’t involve the head, chest or groin. So what you’re talking about is the stomach and leg area, which are not reliable targets.”
“What are you going to do, ask the suspect to turn around?” Glennon asks.
Glennon said what concerns him most about the advisory is the potential for confusion that might make an officer hesitate when faced with a violent suspect, driven by a fear of litigation that would place blame on the officer involved - rather than TASER International - should a suspect be injured after being hit in the chest by the device.
While that may be the case, independent field results indicate a risk factor of 0.25% for “serious injury from use of a TASER.” In essence, there is a less than 1% chance that an officer will be involved in a situation where a suspect would get seriously injured from a TASER hit to the chest.
“Medical and field studies continue to demonstrate that the TASER ECD carries a lower risk of injury than traditional force options,” Tuttle says. “When possible, avoiding the chest shots with ECDs simply avoids the controversy about whether ECDs do or do not affect the human heart.”
Mass. Man Accused of Plot to Kill Shoppers, Troops Associated Press (10/22/09) Lavoie, Denise
Authorities on Wednesday arrested 27-year-old Tarek Mehanna, a resident of the Boston suburb of Sudbury, Mass., who is accused of conspiring with two others to support terrorism. According to authorities, Mehanna and the two other individuals--Ahmed Abousamra, an American who is now in Syria, and an unidentified man who is now cooperating with authorities--conspired between 2001 and 2008 to shoot shoppers in U.S. malls and to "kill, kidnap, maim, or injure" U.S. soldiers in Iraq, as well as two politicians who were once part of the executive branch but have since left office. The politicians, who authorities say were never in any danger, have not been identified. Prosecutors say that the men wanted to carry out the attacks because they were angry about the presence of U.S. troops in the Middle East. Despite their plans, Mehanna and his co-conspirators never came close to carrying out an attack. Authorities say that their repeated attempts to enter terrorist training camps failed, and that they could not get the weapons they wanted to carry out the attacks in U.S. malls.
October 14, 2009- Albuquerque, NM- I haven't gotten many new reports from anyone for awhile. I haven't heard anything new. Is everyone 'playing nice' or are there still some problems? Send me e-mails and information that you want published that can be verified. As always, I appreciate your information and feedback. If you want to write your own post and link it to you company website/ numbers- do so and e-mail it to me: robb@callsummit.com. Be safe.
October 12, 2009- Albuquerque, NM- It seems crazy that Reserve APD officers could go on duty, make arrests, etc. without the proper training and firearms qualification. It reminds me of the Albuquerque security industry.. Of course some Albuquerque attorney's are jumping on board.. The Albuquerque Journal reported this story over the weekend.
Reserves Lacked Weapons Training
More than a dozen reserve police officers had not completed the required training that allowed them to carry a gun, according to a 2007 audit obtained by the Journal. Albuquerque police officials said last week they have addressed the recommendations made in the 2007 audit, adding that many of the officers who hadn't completed training were not active reserves.
Reserve police officers are volunteer officers who go through half the training of a regular police officer. According to the state's law enforcement academy, reserves are not legally allowed to make arrests. A Journal investigation revealed reserves had made 23 arrests and issued 42 traffic tickets since 2003. APD currently has 38 reserve officers.
Albuquerque Police Chief Ray Schultz has suspended the reserve program while he completes an investigation of it. The audit found 14 reserve officers had not completed department required training. Some hadn't qualified since 1999. It is unclear whether the reserves who had not completed their training were still carrying guns.
Deputy Police Chief Michael Callaway said the 14 reserves mentioned in the audit were required to qualify or were removed from the program. Attorney Mary Han filed a tort claim Thursday against the city claiming that police officials are refusing to dismiss all the arrests made by reserves. Deputy City Attorney Kathy Levy said the city is still reviewing the arrests and might request for them to be dismissed
Albuquerque, NM- October 9, 2009- I have been looking around at any information present, e-mails received, the PI Board website and the news so that I could get a feel for the state of the New Mexico security industry. Unfortunately, I haven't found much new to report.
The Superintended of RLD stated that the Attorney General was investigating several security companies in previous interviews. There is no information about any of the conclusions of the investigations and it seems that all of the 'same old' companies are still around. Many of them are unlicensed together with their employees.
In reviewing the PI Board's Meeting Minutes, I see that a few Notices of Contemplated Action (NCA) were sent out but there is no information about what or who it addressed. This might be good for the public to know.
The news media has aired several reports on unlicensed or illegal companies in the last few weeks. I assume there will be more to come as soon as a Grand Jury or two finally releases its findings. There still seems to be a lot of fishy things going on in the industry.
One question I have to the PI Board is how can you issue licenses to companies who lie on their applications? It seems like a simple disqualifier. I have seen a couple approved where there were obvious misrepresentations and licenses were still issued. In addition, I am aware of at least one investigation conducted by the Board that verified some of these issues and the PPO license was still issued.
Why have rules, regulations and laws together with a Board that doesn't enforce anything? Seriously.
Albuquerque, NM- October 9, 2009- I have delivered a seminar or tow in Albuquerque relating to Personal Defense Readiness to my employees. I think it was well received and those who took it say that it works. many consider this system of self defense to be the most progressive and useful in existence. Many of my students are seeking more than just my lectures on Personal Defense Readiness, PDR and the SPEAR system. This Youtube features Tony Blauer, who invented the system, describing startle-flinch and the SPEAR. It is a fantastic view and worth your 4 minutes.
My students can direct questions to me through my e-mail: robb@summitselfdefense.com or call me. Anyone interested in learning the a simple and easy to use self defense system contact me. PDR takes nothing away form anyone practicing a martial art, law enforcement or military training. It is just a another tool for your tool box and it allows you to weather an ambush from an attacker so that you can stay in the fight.
Felix was a good friend and a long time employee. He passed away today and died of natural causes. He is survived by his wife. Felix was a retired Albuquerque Airport Police Officer. He was a good man and he will be missed by many.
View our investigative photos. Some are taken from undercover operations and some are taken in full view of unlicensed and illegally operating companies and their employees.
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