What do cops think about security guards ?

[rjackson1986]

Thank you sir

[Tac380]

I've been on both sides of the fence, most of my interactions have been favorable. I have had bad experiences on both sides. Its a matter of knowing your role and staying within that role and being respectful.

The guards that think they can show you they are cool & know more codes than you and think that's the way to make an officer respect them will never get it, nor get any respect.

[Tacobandit]

Problem is that the pay is lousy and the training is a joke.

[Tac380]

Problem is that the pay is lousy and the training is a joke.

The best training for security (IMO) is to go through the reserve police academy. Start with Level III then level II. Will take a long time but it will help you. You just have to remember the training is for police and you don't have the powers to arrest, however its great for safety awareness, control holds and learning the laws.

I have been told if you complete all 3 levels of the new (not so new now) reserve academy you will spend more hours in training than a regular full-time academy graduate.

[ap3572001]

I've worked in security for several years. Most of my interactions with law enforcement have been positive. There have been a few occasions where PD has treated me like crap. Obviously most cops are cool. What do you guys in law enforcement think about guards ?

I have been in LE for 20 years (worked for the Fed's for few years before that), I am just fine with security officers.

By the way , I had a chance to work with few private security agents overseas. They could make most LEO's look like amateurs.

I had A LOT of respect for them.

[CBR_rider]

I have been in LE for 20 years (worked for the Fed's for few years before that), I am just fine with security officers.

By the way , I had a chance to work with few private security agents overseas. They could make most LEO's look like amateurs.

I had A LOT of respect for them.

Comparing Blackwater/Xe/Academi(whatever they are called this year), Umbrella, etc, personnel to local Joe Schmuck's Security Agency guards is apples to oranges... But I agree, there are many folks in the private security field who are exceptionally well trained and have their stuff together (no matter at what level they operate).

In my experience, most security guards are pretty good folks. I sympathize with those who are trying to make ends meet for their families (some work guard duty as a second job) and have to deal with the same scumbags every night I deal with but without the protection/training/tools of law enforcement (and while earning less than I do).

[Samuelx]

Security guards DO have powers of arrest - "everyone" does - it's just whether or not they have specific company/employer policies/procedures they're supposed to follow (i.e. some companies/employers may not want them making arrests)...

[Petro6golf]

Most are cool, mind their own business and do their job. But theres always one......

I got this guy on my beat; I know he's doing his job but he calls in the dumbest stuff on a nightly basis that I have to respond to and get stuck at like trying door handles on business, opens door, alarm goes off, I respond, wait at said alarm for the RO to showup from 45 mins away.

[rjackson1986]

I do patrol services for a lot of bad areas in Santa Ana and Anaheim. It has a lot of drug and gang activity. On top of that I have to tow these peoples' cars from HOA. Let's just say I'm at the mercy of the ghetto. My company does not allow any of its guards to be armed. I would like to know that I have that weapon to fall back on if the crap hits the fan. The owner of my company is too cheap to have liability insurance for armed guards for the bad areas.

[gblacksmith]

I've worked in security for several years. Most of my interactions with law enforcement have been positive. There have been a few occasions where PD has treated me like crap. Obviously most cops are cool. What do you guys in law enforcement think about guards ?

Like security/LEO workers in general, they run the gamut from profoundly unprofessional to top-notch.

It generally depends on what kind of security work they are doing.....there is a huge difference between 10.00/hr event security workers and the guys who are doing say, nuclear site security as force components, high level PSO or investigations.

I have never had a problem with them in any capacity.

[ls2monaro]

My experience has been quite entertaining with some of the local security guards. They like to throw around their "rank" and speak in 10 codes.

Don't even get me started on the security guys at the Oakley factory store in orange county. These guys act like they work for the CIA or something.

The ones who act like normal human beings just trying to make a living and know their role I have no problem with.

[ap3572001]

Like security/LEO workers in general, they run the gamut from profoundly unprofessional to top-notch.

It generally depends on what kind of security work they are doing.....there is a huge difference between 10.00/hr event security workers and the guys who are doing say, nuclear site security as force components, high level PSO or investigations.

I have never had a problem with them in any capacity.

+1. There is a HUGE difference between typical shopping mall security guard and some private "security" forces I had to work with overseas.