New Mexico Security Blog by Robb Hamic

Summit Security is Hiring Guards, Especially Level 3

December 31, 2010- Albuquerque, NM- Summit Security is hiring for full-time positions in Albuquerque.  We are looking for guards with good experience and steady employment history.  We are looking for long-term employees who want a real opportunity to be a part of a team, get the best training in the industry and are looking for advancement.  We are especially looking for Level 3 guards and we can re-certify firearms training very easily and in-house.  In fact, all training is state certified and done in house.

Summit always pays on time and we have never missed a pay day for our employees, unlike many security companies that have excuses on payday.

We are always looking for motivated officers who have the ability to do sales and marketing part-time to help us grow our business.  We offer cash bonuses for help getting new accounts.  

Immediate opportunities available.  Apply in person at our Albuquerque office: 2900 Louisiana NE Suite H.  Bring guard license, military discharge DD214 (if applicable), driver's license and training certificates (if you have them).  Our hours are 9-5 M-F.

What To Do When You Find a Dirty Security Company- How To Create Karma 101..

I was minding my own business, as usual, and working in the Albuquerque Security industry.  I have a good company and we have many employees and their families that depend on their work and employment with my company.  The economy is rough but we have managed to ALWAYS pay our employees on time, each payday.  We pay all of our taxes and sales tax.  We pay our vendors.  With the little amount that is left over we pay ourselves.  Things used to be a lot better but then this down-turn hit us and the entire industry.  We definitely have the best managed security company in the state with the promotion of our new managers.

We are a family owed business and we have a core management team of people who have become good friends to me and my wife.  They take care of our company and watch our backs.  We have focused on concentrating on the positive lately and we have gained many clients because we offer 24/7 service, do a great job at supervision and we care.  The future looked bright.  I have spent little time on the negative and just focused on giving our customers more.  

"We see security companies come and go over the 11 years we have been in this business in Albuquerque," says Robb Hamic- President of Summit Security & Investigaiton®

We had a couple of key employees that started doing strange things.  At first it just sounded like a security rumor but with a little investigation they all proved true and then some.. This was bad because I trusted these supervisors and I didn't see it coming.  Some of the other employees had raised concerns but I gave these other guys the benefit of the doubt, even until a few days ago.  I don't know too many people who think that I am too nice and trusting but that is the case with people who I come to rely on.  I don't micro-manage.  Maybe I should..

Turns out the company had some big problems and one was this former manager that resigned because I was asking him to be accountable for easy things.  Once he left, we found many problems that had been going on for a long time.  His "partner" turned out to be a complete liar and he was double dealing us too.  It took a lot of investigation but people in the security business listen and document things that happen.  I was approached by a few that would help and actually heard "it from the horse's mouth."  

The crux of the story-line was simple.  These bonehead former managers of my company (total wannabe cops) decided to try to work for a competitor on the down low.  One guy who has some money was even going to buy into this illegal firm.  I called and spoke to all of the players and they all denied everything.  It turns out that two of my current employees went to this competitor's office in my company cars, while on duty and in uniform.  One introduced himself as the "partner" of the loser, wanna be competitor (while he was in my friggin company uniform!)  The other went over to this property in my company car, in uniform and was doing some "scavenger hunting" that the police were interested in.  Some people's kids are so stupid.

Either way, I decided it was time to look for the truth on the competitor's company.  It turned out to be very ugly and somewhat entertaining.  Here is a summary of my reporting to state agencies on their illegal activity:

• New Mexico Tax/Rev- non payment of sales tax
• NM Worker's Compensation- with a list of current and former employees
• NM Workforce Solutions
• NM Child Support Enforcement- hiding from baby mommas aint cool
• NM Attorney General
• NM Private Investigator's Board- I won't hold my breath for decisive action
• NM DPS for theft of things
• APD for theft of things
• APD for gang unit stuff/ associations
• APD for company's officers not being licensed, making a habit of shooting guns at people *2x
• Albuquerque Zoning for illegal Zoning
• US Department of Labor- Unemployment fraud
• US Inspector General- SSI fraud
• US IRS- Tax Fraud

I found it necessary to discover that this bonehead competitor has a recent civil judgement.  Since his company is a sole proprietorship all moneys owed to this company are personal.  In my experience, attorneys have been really happy to discover people who owe their DEBTORS money that they can garnish. $13,000 + attorney's fees and costs looks good sitting in an attorney's trust account.  Anyway, knowledge is power.  When it happens know that this was from me and you can hate me but can't do anything to me because I told the truth. 

I also notified the news, twice..

I called Santa and he put these guys on the naughty list and the Easter Bunny says no Eggs this year.  All of these guys need to lay off of the sweets anyway because their teeth are already black..  I am suing my two idiots next week and luckily one guy has some money to collect.  It doesn't make me happy to have to resort to these measures but I have been through this and it is noting personal.  Hell, I wrote a book about it. (I also know about you two to are still employed with me and were hanging out at the hotel.  Your days are numbered)    Why do people always test me?   You could've left well enough alone.  I guess that is whatmakes some people really stupid, they go looking for fights that they will lose.

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Some Security Companies In Albuquerque Don't Have Insurance- Beware!

December 10, 2010- Albuerxuque, NM- One of the most common mistakes that security consumers make is not to verify that their security company is licensed and insured.  Many security companies pass off fake insurance certificates and licenses.  Many use city business licenses and not actual state required licenses.  Many Albuquerque security companies don't have commercial general liability insurance or worker's compensation insurance.

Why does it matter?  If you contract with an uninsured security company then guess who is getting sued?  You.  If the security company is negligent in its work then you will probably get sued anyway but at least you should be defended by the security company's insurance IF you require an additionally insured certificate.  No worker's compensation causes you to be responsible for any injuries to any employee that is on your property.  Do you want that hassle?

Below you can see what an actual insurance certificate looks like for General Liability, Vehicle and Worker's Compensation Insurance.  Don't forget that policies are issues yearly and have to be renewed.  There are no policies that are issued for more than one year so if you see that there is a two ear policy then you know it is probably a fraud.  New insurance policies take over when the old ones expire and it is your responsibility to ask for an updated insurance card.

A good copy of my state licenses for security (PPO) and Private Investigations (PI) is also listed below.  You always want to make sure that you get licensed companies otherwise you are breaking the law yourself.  Licensed companies are screened by the state and it is required for the owners to be FBI background checked as well as all employees.  Each guard will be issued a state ID Card.  Each guard (Level 1,2,3) is required a certain amount of training by law and must receive it before carrying any weapons, handcuffs or guns.  You are liable if the security company doesn't have the proper employees licensed.  You are liable for all of their actions so make sure that you choose carefully and verify all of the guards, their training and experience before you let them on your property.  Make sure they are doing security work and not watching movies, sleeping or on Face Book.  You would be surprised at how many guards and security companies just don't care.

 

 

 

 

If you have any questions please contact me.  My firm, Summit Security & Investigation® provides professional security and investigation services 24/7 in Albuquerque.  We provide services to clients on a permanent basis or temporary, on-call or emergency.  We answer our phones 24/7.  Call us if you need help: 505-255-6063.

To Verify Worker's Compensation- Click This Link

To Verify State License- Click This Link

To Get Security or Investigation 24/7- Click This Link

Why Do Some Security Managers Get Fired Or Resign Under Threat of Termination?

December 8, 2010- Albuquerque, NM-  I have been involved in the security and private investigation business since 1999 and I have seen a lot of strange things.  I have had terminated several key managers for many different reasons and a few have resigned before I could terminate their employment.  I guess it is commonplace in the Albuquerque security industry, not just my company.  I have seen it happen time and time again.  Some companies go out of business from the conduct of some of these managers. How could a promising situation turn bad so quickly?  

Many of these people just got in over their head and were not good managers while others took the power that they received with the management and caused a lot of trouble for the company.  It is a vicious cycle.  Most of these managers were good guards and showed promise but they let the position or title go to their heads.  They often like the prestige that comes with the new position but don't take the job seriously because there is less oversight.  What are some of the re-occurring problems that I see from these former managers?

• Loss of interest in the job, no accountability
• Not answering the phone, lying about work activities
• Conducting personal business on company time
• Having relationships with customers
• Making excuses
• Theft of their employment file
• Mistreatment of guards and problems with scheduling guards too much, too little or with no notice
• Theft of company equipment
• Theft of company money, materials and technology
• Payroll theft
• Mishandling of company business
• Theft of company security accounts 
• Hiding from Child Support Withholding (enforcement has caught up with them)
• Attempt to start a competing security company 
• Disclosure of private company business to competitors
• Filing for unemployment when they work for illegal security companies for cash

What should a company do when they figure out that they are the victim of a bad manager?  Take out the trash.  Terminate the manager and take action against them if they haven't already resigned.  Take it from me, bad managers (who were former friends) turn into enemies really quickly and can do a business a lot of harm.  As business owners, we have a lot invested and know little of what these managers do or have done.  It is important to find out, talk to employees, document theft and find the problems that they have caused.  Figure out what they are doing now and if it is against the law or their employment contract- take the appropriate actions.

I had a bad manager recently who was a big-time liar and caused many problems in the office with his deception.  He lied to customers, employees, me and others.  He was lazy and I started to figure out that he wasn't performing.  I spent some time figuring out what he wasn't doing and I gave him deadlines for accomplishing tasks.  He resigned rather than working through the issues.  It came as a surprise to me and I asked him to stay on, before I discovered how much bad he had done.  

One thing lead to another and I soon discovered that he wasn't really working at all.  I figured out that this manager spent over 53 hours in his last month talking on this company phone with non-company business.  He told his family that he was working when he wasn't just to find excuses to get out of his house.  He even had a liaison with another woman on his wedding anniversary in the name of company business, which it obviously wasn't.  He stole his company file and then bragged about it to people.  Stupid.  I had already made copies of it all.  He went to several of my firm's competitors and divulged confidential information.  He had massive amounts of back child support owed and orders that were withholding through our payroll and he ultimately went to work for a company that paid him cash, under the table and outside of any withholding for taxes or child support.  This was wrong and I found it necessary to report it to the authorities.  In fact, I found it necessary to report all kinds of violations and problems to many different people.  The truth.

As it turns out he went to manage and or co-own another competing security company that was not in compliance with many laws.  They have their own problems but that is none of my business now.

I feel sorry for all of the Albuquerque Security companies that have to deal with the same problems.  This is a common problem but it seems that these people will continue to do the same things unless someone stands up and challenges their bad behavior.  It is actually therapeutic.   

 

Robb Hamic is the owner and operates Summit Security & Investigation® in Albuquerque.  Summit is a leading provider of physical security guards, vehicle patrol, loss prevention, background screening and private investigation.  He wrote a book about getting back and getting even that deals with many of the principals that he discusses in this blog post. 

The Top 5 Reasons To Fire Your Albuquerque Security Company

November 29, 2010- Albuquerque, NM-  I have been in the private security business for eleven years and I have seen a lot of crazy things come out of the Albuquerque industry.  There are good reasons to hire a security company/ guard and there are certainly many good reasons to terminate their services immediately.  Here are my top five.

1. 1.  Security Guard or Company is untruthful about ANYTHING.   A security consumer has to trust its security company and the guards who spend time on the property.  Security is responsible for property, inventory, damage, theft, crime prevention, loss prevention and providing responsible service to the client.  There is NO ROOM in this business for 1/2 truths, lies or no response.  If you are getting any of this from your current provider you may want to consider switching companies.
2. Poor Performance.  Guards are paid to be on time, working hard and diligent.  They are not your employees and customers shouldn't have to supervise their work.  This is the job of the security company.  Customers shouldn't have to notify the company of a guard not "working out."  Professional companies hire the right people and provide internal oversight.  If you have a guard that is lazy, shows up late or doesn't do a good job this is a good reason to terminate the services of your security provider.
3. A Guard No-Show.  This is inexcusable.  It is the security company's responsibility to responsibly schedule guards and verify that they will be at work.  Furthermore, it is also the company's responsibility to ensure that they show up on time.  It is common for guards not to show up, call off with little or no notice or quit without notice.  It happens in the industry.  A good security guard company will have redundancies in place to ensure that your post does not go uncovered and that your guard is actually there.  If they are not responsive in this manner, get rid of them!
4. Ineffective at Deterring Crime.  We hire guards to deter crime.  If they can't do this part of their job you are probably better with no guard service.  It would certainly be cheaper for the client.  I have taken over many security accounts because the former security company had ineffective guards that could not stop crime.  Selection and training of guards is important and placing guards with experience in stopping crime is paramount if you are hiring a company for that reason.  Not all guards are created equal.  Think about it.
5. Billing Discrepancies.  If you security company doesn't not send you an accurate invoice then there are problems.  If the company doesn't even know how many hours a guard was on the property then how would they be responsible to ensure that supervision was performed or the job was well done.  If your security company can't bill you correctly then I would say that is a good reason to find another one.

It is not uncommon for customers to switch security companies and that is OK.  Security in Albuquerque is complicated and you must ensure that you have a good, honest working relationship with your security partner.  We all know when we are being lied to or receiving excuses.  I don't give them and I don't expect to take an excuse from a security provider.  Consumers pay a lot of money to a security company and they deserve the service that was contracted.  Good luck.

Summit Security & Investigation®, headquarterd in Albuquerque, New Mexico, maintains multiple offices and training facilities throughout the southwestern United States. Summit Security & Investigation is a LOCAL Service Disabled, Veteran-Owned company. Summit is the leading security service provider in Albuquerque offering armed and unarmed security officers, mobile patrol services, investigations, training, and loss prevention services to local and federal governments, industrial and manufacturing facilities, commercial properties, residential communities, retail establishments as well as private individuals.   For immediate service please contact us 24/7.  This phone is answered by a live person, every time.. 505-255-6063

Robb Hamic robb@callsummit.com

 http://www.callsummit.com/aboutsummitsecurity.htm

 

The Top Reasons to Hire a Security Guard in Albuquerque

I know of at least 5 reasons to hire a security guard in Albuquerque, NM. There are many good reasons to hire a security guard but several stand out for me. I have been involved in the private security industry for the last eleven years and I have seen an amazing amount of ways that people and businesses have used security to save money. There are many misconceptions. Delay can cause more loss or money, safety and expose you to increased liability.

In my experience, most businesses or people hire security after a problem or theft occurs. This reactive approach is not necessarily best. Many problems can be anticipated and should be addressed before liability, injury or theft occurs. Many people see security as an expense that can be cut or saved and in a tight economy it might be the first vendor service to go. If you have determined that security is a good idea or a necessity at this time consider these reasons to hire a security guard.

1. To deter violence to you, your customers or provide a more secure environment. This is a good liability reduction and studies have shown that even in a down economy, customers frequent businesses that have security officers at a higher rate than those that do not.

2. To deter or prevent theft from the business or its employees and customers. This seems obvious but it is often the last thing business owners consider. People don't frequent business where they feel unsafe. If a person's car gets broken into then they will not come back and they will tell their friends. The same goes with employees. Theft from business is sometimes hard to track but with retail stores it is easy. If an audit comes up and there are missing goods then someone has stolen them from you. In the grocery industry, the profit margin is so low that a theft can impact the business on a much bigger scale. Either way, nobody likes to be a victim of theft.

3. To provide an extra presence for safety. This happens a lot during the holidays. Shopping malls, strip malls and events hire extra or temporary security because of increased crowds and increased problems by criminals. A good security guard can deter a lot just with an assertive presence.

4. Because your customers, residents or employees expect it. This is a common occurrence in Albuquerque because crime is so high. Many businesses have historically hired security "just because" they have problems and the patrons of their services have become accustomed to having seeing a guard.

5. A direct threat. This is a growing concern for schools, malls, employers, businesses and people with the spread of social media. FaceBook, Twitter, Myspace and other social networking sites are used to deliver specific threats of violence or bomb threats towards people. These threats must be taken seriously and responsibility falls on the business to take action to prevent the potential harm.

Hiring a responsible and professional security company can change a businesses reputation with consumers and deter problems. It can also enhance customer service, safety and eventually sales through proper implementation.

Robb is the President and Founder of Summit as well as the director of day-to-day operations and management. Robb served in the U.S. Army Infantry during Desert Storm and he is a Service Disabled Veteran. Robb was a Deputy and Detective with the Bernalillo County, New Mexico Sheriff's Department before starting private business in 2000.

Robbs' expertise, level of professionalism, and commitment to moving the bar up a notch in excellance has earned him numerous awards and recognition. Robb is an accomplised author, blogger and security industry advocate.

Summit Security & Investigation, headquarterd in Albuquerque, New Mexico, maintains multiple offices and training facilities throughout the southwestern United States. Summit Security & Investigation is a Service Disabled, Veteran-Owned company. Summit is the leading security service provider in the Southwest offering armed and unarmed security officers, mobile patrol services, investigations, training, and loss prevention services to local and federal governments, industrial and manufacturing facilities, commercial properties, residential communities, retail establishments as well as private individuals

Robb Hamic robb@callsummit.com

 http://www.callsummit.com/aboutsummitsecurity.htm

Top 10 Ways Security Guard Companies Rip Off Customers in Albuquerque

November 16, 2010- Albuquerque, NM- I have been involved in the private security and investigation business in New Mexico for the last eleven years.  I have seen and heard a lot from new or old security customers about the actions of the security staff whom they employed.  I employ a large number of guards myself and have may supervisors to keep tabs on them in the field.  I have found there are several top reasons that security consumers become dissatisfied with their security company/ guard.  I have noticed several top ways that security companies commonly deceive and rip off consumers.  Hopefully, this will give consumers some insight into the industry and ways to keep a watchful eye on their guards.

The Top 10 Ways I see security companies being ripped off in the Albuquerque market:

1. Guards not present, especially at night.  This occurs when the client contracts for service and the guard company does not execute.  Sometimes this occurs when a guard is actually scheduled but does not show up, some guards aren't even scheduled but the client is knowingly billed for the work.
2. Guards are asleep, drunk or not performing security on property.  The client's expectation is that the guard is working to prevent theft or make people safe when in reality the guard is in his own personal car, sleeping, talking on the phone, computer or watching a movie.  I have heard about some guards being drunk or under the influence of drugs while on duty.  This is a quality control and supervision problem but it is the security consumer who ultimately pays.
3. Fraud.  Security company lies about performance, vehicle patrol hits and sends false reports.
4. Theft.  Guards actually steal from customers.  This is very common on construction jobs, apartment complexes (laundry room theft) or really anywhere.
5. Unlicensed guards.  This brings a host of problems to a customer.  Licensing is required by the state together with an FBI background check.  No license means the guard could be a felon.
6. Security company has no insurance.  This leaves the consumer without protection in case of litigation.
7. Negligent security guard.  This occurs when a guard does something wrong and the client is liable because they hired the guard or company.
8. Violent security guard.  This causes so many problems and is actually common.  Security officers should be screened, hired under supervision and monitored.  Unfortunately, many are not and they use improper force on innocent people.  Guards often use OC spray (pepper spray), expandable batons, handcuffs and Taser devices when they have no justification under the law.  The state requires state approved training but many guards carry these weapons with no licensing.
9. Security company lies about its experience to get a contract.  The client must check references.
10. The security company or its officers, owners are untruthful.  I can tell you first hand that mistakes happen in security.  Problems arise on a weekly basis and the best way to handle these issues is to report them to the client.  After all, they have the right to know what happens on their property.  Many clients report that they don't think that their security company is truthful with them about serious problems and they try to shift blame to others.  One big problem for vehicle patrol clients is that the company reports more "hits' for the property than they actually did.  The industry term for this is "ghost hitting."

Negligent hiring of security guards and defense of these guard's actions has caused many security consumers lawsuits/ litigation in Albuquerque this year.  Historically, the security client is enjoined into lawsuits together with the security company when it is filed.

Security consumers have many choices for guard companies.  Choose carefully and beware that cheaper prices can sometimes be a red flag.  In Albuquerque, a guard company breaks even when they charge approximately $14 hr. for guard services.  This is no profit, just expense (wage, tax, insurance, supervision, company overhead expenses for that guard).  New Mexico sales tax is 7% of all gross sales.  Consumers can expect to pay $17-20 hr. for guard services depending on the duties for guards.  A dedicated car on the property is expensive and adds cost.  Vehicle patrol is when a guard drives throughout the city patrolling client's properties.  It is reasonable to expect 4-6 "hits" per night for a rate of $500-800 per month.  This is a more cost effective solution however it is an area where security companies lie to clients.  If a company tells you that you can expect 7 or more hits per night, I would be suspicious.  

Do the math.  If you want a guard to spend at least 10-15 minutes on your property for a patrol hit then that is 40-75 minutes for an honest company.  There is drive time between each property and you have to have several properties to break even, maybe as many as 10.  The guard can only work a 10 hour shift so that is a maximum of 600 minutes, with no lunch.  Look at the expenses:

Monthly Costs Associated With Vehicle Patrol

Wages/Tax/ Benefits for Guard ($10 hr.)-       $2500

Car Cost/ Maintenance-                                  $400

Vehicle Insurance                                           $300

Gas (200 miles per night)                               $600 

TOTAL                                                          $3800 per month to break even

I wrote this article to give security consumers some reference on the industry and some of the common problems.  The best thing that a consumer can do, from my perspective, is to interview several companies or go strait for the best.  Don't make a decision based on the cheapest rates because that does not equate to value in security.  Remember that the sales person or owner of your company may not be representative of the actual guard that will do your work.  Request an interview of the guard who will work on your property, demand copies of his state license, training certificates and background check.  Get copies of state license (from the NM Private Investigators Board), insurance and bond.  

About the Author:

Robb Hamic is the managing principal of Summit Security & Investigation®.  This firm provides professional physical security, vehicle patrol, armed/ unarmed guards, investigation, surveillance, background checks and security training.  Summit Security is licensed in New Mexico (#1650, 2114).  Mr. Hamic is written a book about keeping safe and is available for sale on Amazon.com:“Karma’s Helpers”

 

What Is It Like To Be a Security Guard In Albuquerque?

Albuquerque, NM- November 10, 2010-  It is always hard to find a good security guard in Albuquerque New Mexico.  There are several factors that make it difficult to find a good officer for your project, event or building.  The New Mexico Security industry is difficult.  I think that there are many competent and professional guards in the industry in Albuquerque but there is little oversight for officers who choose to overlook their duties.  The job of a security guard is lonely and often times they operate alone and without backup.  In the end, they have only their own ethics and work ethics to guide them.  I have been in the private security business for almost eleven years and I have owned a company for all of it.  I have worked on the streets as a guard and everything in-between.  I am proud of it.

Many guards take their profession very seriously but they can only do so much without good support from the guard company.  This is why many small companies have troubles.  Likewise, very large companies sometimes fall short of monitoring individual guard’s needs or performance in the field.  It is imperative that a professional guard is treated as such and receives good training.  Albuquerque is a dangerous city and each guard needs an effective method to call for help if needed.  Supervision is very important for the client and the individual guard.  Lack of supervision is apparent when the guard doesn’t have direction and seems disinterested in the work.  It is important to have involvement from an actual decision maker in the company both for the guard and the clients.  Leadership by example is vital in the security guard industry.

It can be very boring to be a security guard.  Low pay is a staple of the environment in Albuquerque.  Benefits.  What are benefits in the security industry?  It is rare to find a guard that has company paid health insurance, dental or disability insurance.   Many officers come into the profession as a entry or exit point to law enforcement.   These people are usually a little more motivated than the rest and seek to do a good job without reminder.  I find that people who want a good structure and solid opportunity are drawn to solid companies.  Attention to detail and a good visual presence are apparent in guards that take themselves seriously.  I think that people want opportunity in work and progression.  Guards want advancement in a company and they tend to work harder and in harmony if there is opportunity.  The opposite is true if the company offers little advancement.

I remember working in the office during the day then at whatever accounts we had at night as a security officer.  It was fun to be out and get involved to make a difference but more than not it was a boring and thankless job.  I had to take pride in my own work and I realized that I was the only person who would ultimately check my own work.  Guards find the same true today.  Who will really catch a guard if he takes a nap during a paid shift or isn’t there at all?  Clients hire us to protect their property because they doesn’t want to stay awake all night.  This gives you a good idea of why supervision is so important.

Sometimes payday comes to guards in Albuquerque with bounced paychecks from their employers.  Really.  Why would some people work for companies like this?  The answer escapes me.  There are plenty of good companies out there.  I believe that there are less companies that empower their management to make the right decisions and even fewer companies whose ownership takes an active interest in the administration of the business of security.  Are the owners figureheads?   Do they have real world experience that is relevant and recent?   I am a former Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Deputy/ Detective but I don’t find much parallel in security.  Many security company’s advertise “former law enforcement” as a benefit to clients.  I don’t think that this is always a benefit.  Many police officers who are retiring are not accustomed to working hard and a company’s employees are usually in some part, representative of its owner.  If things aren’t going right in my company I don’t usually have to look too far for the problem.

I find that my clients get much better services with the more time I spend with my officers and supervisors.   They care more when I care more.  They respond to my customers and my guards and management team are the best in the Albuquerque security industry, hands down.  Finding a person that is proud of his/ her job is vital.  If a customer ever gets the impression that the guard doesn’t care then it is probably true.  What do I think about cheap security?  You get what you pay for, sometimes in spades.  Watch out for liability because it is prevalent in the security industry.

I like to see security guards who love their jobs and look forward to the future.  I know I do.

~ Robb Hamic 

Is it possible to find a dependable security guard in Albuquerque?

October 13, 2010- Albuquerque, NM- It is possible to find reliable and dependable security guards in Albuquerque. Buyer beware! Security companies must follow certain laws in hiring, training and providing guards to the public and business community. Many people use security services for themselves or their business at some point. Price is usually the driving factor for selection of the company and this may have led to many unsatisfied customers, lost business, theft and even lawsuits against the people or businesses that hired the security company.

Albuquerque has seen an unprecedented rise in crime this year due to the bad economy, high unemployment rate and other factors. Law enforcement can take a report or respond to a crime in process but that is about it. If a property owner wants to protect his business or property he must do it himself. Many turn to security guard companies as a deterrent to prevent crime. This proactive approach can actually make customers feel at ease and allow businesses to see an increase in revenue even in down times. people and business owners sometimes must have a security guard to protect their property because of theft, emergency, disaster, fire or threat to an employee. This urgent need may cause a security consumer to pick up the phone, type in a few words into Google and take the first company that answers the call. Consumers can find a reliable resource for security here: http://www.callsummit.com/index.htm

Consider that the individual security guard who protects you and your property can have a huge impact on your business. You would like to think that everything is taken care of but this is not always the case. Guards must be supervised and held accountable. Companies must be licensed, bonded and insured. Guards must be trained and state certified. In New Mexico, guards must wear their state license card on their uniform.

In Albuquerque new Mexico there is established case law for premises liability, vicarious liability and other civil legal concerns for people and businesses. Many laws are common sense while others are not. It is the duty of the business owner to know the rules.

People don't always know these rules and laws and again, with low price being a driving force for the buying decision, consumers are at risk for making a poor decision. Cheaper isn't usually better in the security industry. Albuquerque in particular, has had a host of problems with unlicensed security companies and guards. A handful of guards have been arrested in the past year because they were felons in possession of firearms. Four security company owners were arrested for unlicensed activity and or felonies. Many security companies were sued by people for use of force issues and the business owner or person who hired them was always brought in as a defendant in the lawsuit. Most people don't consider the liability for hiring a negligent security company or guard.

Premises liability is a somewhat fuzzy term which serves as an umbrella for many kinds of proceedings counting those relating to structural design flaws, unsafe conditions, environmental hazards, improper traffic patterns and a wide variety of other issues.

In numerous cases, security-related premises liability matters involve issues such as physical security standards and generally accepted security practices. In addition to any existing standards, crime statistics, event history, community standards and specific risk considerations play a part in determining whether an adverse event was foreseeable. Commonly, businesses which can document a practical approach to security and have responded to increased levels of exposure fare better with juries than those who have taken a more informal or casual approach.

If you are a business owner, you have certain other responsibilities to the public in general. For example, if you own a business and someone comes into your premises to purchase something and is injured on your premises that person would be considered a business invitee. The duty owed to a business invitee is of the highest responsibility. The reason for this is, if you operate a business and a welcomed customer comes into your business, you have an absolute obligation to make sure your premises is free of defects and is safe for the public as a whole. If there are any defects on your property you not only have an absolute duty to warn the public of the defect but you also have a duty to repair any dangerous conditions which exist on your premises.

Robb Hamic is the Managing Principal for Summit Security & Investigaiton®. Summit is a licensed professional security and investigation form based in Albuquerque. Contact Summit 24/7: 505-255-6063 or http://www.callsummit.com

 

How to build a strong Security staff..

Albuquerque, NM- December 15, 2009- I noticed this article in a leading association magazine and I thought I should publish it because it would be helpful to smaller security firms or security consumers so they understand more about staffing.

Security Management Magazine(12/01/09) Vol. 53, No. 12, P. 92; Albert, Philip

Hospital security manager Philip Albert offers a strategy for hiring, training, and keeping a solid security staff. He writes that "the security department will not hire anyone who does not meet its strict baseline requirements," and "to help achieve these hiring objectives, the department has a dedicated recruiting and training manager." Albert says the organization also attracts and retains security officer candidates by offering a good compensation package. 

Applicants are subjected to three interviews--one on the telephone with human resources, one on-site with a panel of employees, and a final interview with the director of public safety. New hires attend a two- to three-week in-house class, as well as organizational orientation and hospital-specific training. In addition, there are skill-specific training programs at local community colleges, covering subjects that include self-defense, handcuffing, defensive driving, and bike patrol instruction. 

Once training is completed, new security staff are placed on a 12-month probationary period, under constant monitoring by supervisors. Retention strategies that Albert mentions include promotion from within the ranks and an awards program that honors staff for specific acts above and beyond the call of duty.

 

Studies show that there are few security jobs available in Albuquerque

December 13, 2009- Albuquerque, NM-  I completed a search of the normal places that a person goes to look for a job: Albuquerque Journal, Craigslist, employment journals, classifieds and I only counted 4 positions available for guards in all of the sources.  It is obvious that the New mexico Security industry is in a recession and that there is little work available.  Many guard's unemployment benefits who were laid off are running out.  If you are out of work and looking for a job- what should you do?

1. Be smarter, faster and better. I wish I could offer you a magic piece of advice about job hunting and working in a bad economy, a piece of wisdom that I’ve been saving for this type of situation. However, my best advice is to use all of the same job hunting and career management tips I always advise, but do them smarter, faster and better.

Being smarter, faster and better means:

• Updating your resume to include examples of how you thrive in challenging times, how you excel at stretching a budget, how you can bring in new clients and new revenue right away.
• Making 5 calls a day to networking contacts, rather than making 5 a week.
• Attending one networking event a week, rather than one a month.
• Following up immediately after you meet someone or learn of an opportunity. Return calls right away, send a thank you email the same day you have an interview, send in a resume as soon as you learn of an opportunity.

In any situation, ask yourself, “What would be the smartest, fastest and best way to handle this situation?” and do just that.

2. Try new strategies. We all get into ruts — going to the same networking events, talking to the same people at our association meetings, setting up the same keywords on the same employment websites, writing the same phrases in every cover letter.

STOP!

The same old stuff will no longer cut it. As Albert Einstein said, the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.To get a job in a bad economy, you have to cast a wider net and be more creative than ever.  Look for jobs at small companies if you’ve always worked for big corporations (and vice versa).

3. Find ways to make some extra money so you aren’t desperate and panicky. Potential employers can smell desperation and it isn’t attractive. If you are totally stressed out about paying the rent, you won’t be in the best frame of mind to conduct a proactive job search. 

4. Move to a city with jobs. If you’ve been thinking about relocating, you might want to consider a place that is thriving despite the economic downturn. BusinessWeek.com has a list of the best places in the U.S. to “ride out the recession.” I don’t necessarily advise uprooting yourself for the potential of a good job, but if you’ve been thinking about moving anyway or have some very strong leads in a thriving city, it could be a smart decision right now.

5. Move to an industry sector with jobs. If you don’t want to move to a new city, pay attention to the industries theBusinessWeek.com article highlights as growing: healthcare, education, law, energy and government. HRWorld offers its own list of top 25 careers to pursue in a recession and Career Hub shares a ranking of 72 recession-proof industries. Consider expanding your job search into one of these industries. 

6. Help other people. Now is the time to be extra generous in helping other people with job leads, event invitations, networking contacts, advice and moral support. When you see a job listing that’s perfect for a friend, forward it with an encouraging note. Call up a fellow job seeker and invite him over for a cup of coffee and a chat. 

Summit Security & Investigation is hiring high-quality individuals for permanent and stable full-time or part-time work in Albuquerque.  Apply in person at 2825 E Broadbent Parkway NE or online: CLICK HERE.

Interesting trend for security companies.

PROTECTING SECURITY FIRMS

In spite of recession, market fares well

By Dave Willis

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To say it’s been an eventful decade for the security business is certainly an understatement. From the 9/11 terrorist attacks to the recent recession, the industry has faced more than its share of challenges.

Interestingly, the recent economic fallout has actually extended a trend that started after 9/11. “As a whole, the industry has been looking for more qualified guards,” says Karen Izzo, president of Izzo Insurance Services in Elmwood, Illinois. “They don’t want Barney Fife any more, and they’re willing to pay to get better guards.”

“In a bad economy, turnover is reduced,” adds Bruce Brownyard, presi dent of Brownyard Programs, Ltd., in East Islip, New York. “And there is a larger pool of available workers.”

Increased awareness following the events of September 2001 has had an impact. “People are more interested now in having security at their events,” says John Bures, senior vice president of Southfield, Michigan-based CoverX. “This has led to increased opportunities.”

Adds Brownyard, “The industry was already growing, but after 9/11 it really took off.”

The good and the bad

The recession has delivered mixed results for security firms and their agents and insurers. “In some cases, we’ve seen a 25% to 30% revenue drop in security businesses,” explains Brian Costanza, vice president-underwriting for Costanza Insurance Agency in Dallas. “Some are finding it harder to get paid. For instance, in California, guard firms are having to accept IOUs from the state government.”

At a recent security industry conference, speakers shared revenue data. In context, it wasn’t all bad. “They said security guard revenues are down about 10%, whereas other industries are seeing considerably greater drops than that,” Brownyard recalls. “In a bad economy, I guess it’s not bad to be down only 10%.”

Some clients—especially manufacturing and industrial concerns—are shutting their doors altogether. But security needs remain. “Many properties that employed two guards are cutting back to one,” says Costanza. “From an insurance perspective—primarily from a general liability standpoint—this creates a unique situation. We’ve seen an increase in property damage claims as a result.”

Some security firms have experienced a double whammy. “Some accounts have gone bankrupt, so the guard firm not only loses a client, but the client has gone away owing them money,” says Izzo.

Some guard firms are trimming their ranks. “We’ve seen deterioration in sales and payroll for some smaller firms,” says Torrence Brownyard, CPCU, president of W.H. Brownyard Corporation in Bay Shore, New York. “Some have reduced their insurance coverage or done away with it because they can’t afford it.”

Startups are surfacing. “With unemployment rates where they are, I’m seeing quite a few new ventures in the private security arena,” says Costanza. “This creates a challenge from an insurance standpoint. Often, the applicant is less experienced. Hiring and training procedures may be lax, which could have serious liability consequences.”

Still, some firms are growing. A number of larger firms, for instance, are seeing revenue growth between 5% and 10%, Torrence Brownyard observes. “They are going strong—diversifying into different areas.”

Costanza has seen the same trend. “Guard firms are moving more into investigative services,” he says. “It’s always been there, but now they’re expanding. We’re seeing more firms working with insurance companies on fraud issues.”

Hospital security guard saves doctors.

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.

Albuquerque 'guard abuse'

June 7, 2009-  Albuquerque, NM-  I have heard about too much bad treatment to list in this blog post from security companies to their guards.  We all know of the employees that missed out on 4-6 paychecks and were unpaid by Legit Security.  I have always told people to go to the Department of Labor and make wage claims but there are still many other abuses going on in the Albuquerque Security industry by companies.

Many companies have strange practices of withholding monies from guards, especially upon termination.  By law, any deductions have to be agreed upon in writing between the employer and employee.  I got this e-mail from an Albuquerque Guard and I wanted to post it because I think this type of thing happens all the time.  It is sad and not something that you would expect from a 'big security company.'  It sounds unethical to me.

I don't know if you will read this or even care but I just wanted to state something on your blog but didn't know how or to what degree. I don't know if you have heard this or even care but I do have to vent about it and was hoping this is the person to do it to. Valley .......... sucks. They are f...ed up.. I was an employee of there's for some time and got fired over b.s. and i am not even mad about that. 

What I am mad about is the fact that they initially charged me $75 dollars for initial training plus the $44.95 for the (guard card<-not mad at the part) and then now that they have fired me, they paid me 88 hours at minimum wage of $6.50 hr for my last check and then deducted another $150 dollars <-for the initial training and for not completing my probationary period.   I know I don't have any grounds to fight them because they have you sign a form in their new employee handbook before you even start. thank you for your time even though I know I messed up. Keep up the good work love reading your blog.

• $225 deductions for 'training'
  
• $44.95 for guard card (who knows if he will even get it
  
• Reduced wage payment                                                                                                                                  

Summit Security & Investigation is always hiring Albuquerque's best guards.  We provide training, full benefits, full schedules, advancement and stability.  We are currently looking for new clients and provide marketing bonuses for guards or others who help us get new security accounts.   

E-mail me with any potential marketing information - robb@callsummit.com.  

Apply in person at 2825 E Broadbent Parkway NE or online at http://www.callsummit.com.