Archive
EMBRACING PRIVATE and PUBLIC SAFETY COLLABORATION www.privateofficer.com
CHARLOTTE NC April 21 2013
Rick McCann-CEO-Founder
Private Officer International
With the Boston Marathon bombing still at the forefront of our local and national news and still fresh on our minds and numerous other major sporting and national events scheduled across America in the upcoming months, it’s time that private security and public law enforcement communities get on the same page and begin to realize the value in working together, sharing information and resources.
In recent years with the increase of retail organized crimes, police in Michigan, Ohio, Alabama and a number of other states have gone from just responding to a shoplifting call to forming retail security-police alliances and working side by side covertly in store and in investigative roles to investigate, apprehend and prosecute professional shoplifters who have been responsible for millions of dollars of retail theft and fraud. In doing this, law enforcement agencies have found that they were also able to solve residential and commercial burglaries, drug crimes and in several cases apprehend wanted murder suspects who were also involved in retail crimes.
Working together, sharing data, video surveillance, manpower and other resources has proved to be highly successful according to loss prevention manager Marc Stephens.
Private security in many communities already share live video feed with law enforcement dispatch centers and participate in a number of informal information exchange programs but the full potential of shared collaboration has neither been explored nor yet realized.
Both sworn police and private security officers often are deployed into service during massive sporting and concert events, large outdoor venues and political appearances, speeches and gatherings as well as civil unrest demonstrations and protests.
The advanced sharing of training, information, radio frequencies, and joint preparation for these major events will better serve the general public safety at large while cohesively providing a much stronger security net in and around the event.
Private security forces could be trained to provide physical security in these areas checking for suspicious packages, vehicles or persons, sweeping nearby structures, parking areas or common pedestrian walkways allowing police to concentrate on criminal activity occurring at the event.
Communication between local private security and law enforcement needs to be on-going as does some level of joint training and continual planning.
Local communities could start this process by sponsoring monthly meetings between police and security agencies, proprietary security departments and loss prevention personnel.
As the private security industry continues to play a bigger role in the protection of life and property and is often assigned to protect the public, it is imperative that all professionals come together with that sole purpose in mind.
Arden Fair Mall security team up with police to nab robbery suspect www.privateofficer.com
Sacramento CA April 18 2013 A man was arrested for attempted robbery thanks to fast work by mall security officers, Sacramento officers and a police dog.
A man reported to Arden Fair Mall security about 8 p.m. Tuesday that an armed robber tried to hold him up in the parking lot. Police were notified and mall security provided a good description of the suspected robber’s vehicle.
Police arriving to the call made a stop of the vehicle away from the mall parking lot.
Police said Jordan E. Urban, 22, (pictured) then fled from the car.
Urban was brought into custody with the assistance of a police dog. A discarded, loaded handgun was booked into evidence.
Urban was booked into Sacramento County Jail on suspicion of attempted robbery, carrying a loaded firearm with intent to commit a felony and giving false identification to police. Source-sacbee.com
Webster Man Arrested For Impersonating Police Officer www.privateofficer.com
Webster Police say 24-year-old William Ferrante was using a blue light similar to the ones used in police cars.
Earlier this month, a woman was driving on I-395 when Ferrante allegedly put on his blue light behind her. She pulled over and he passed, only to slow down again and pull behind her with the blue light. The woman then drove to her boyfriend’s house and Ferrante followed. At the victim’s boyfriend’s home, Ferrante approached her and demanded her license, identifying himself as a military police officer. Ferrante was arrested for impersonating a police officer and is being held on $240.00 bail. He will be arraigned on Thursday. Source:CBSBoston
Florida security guard arrested after impersonating a cop www.privateofficer.com
source-tribune.com
More than 100 arrested in sting targeting organized shoplifters www.privateofficer.com
Chicago IL Dec 25 2012 A monthlong undercover investigation targeting organized retail theft rings — whose members steal large amounts of merchandise from large malls across the Chicago area — has resulted in the arrests of more than 100 people.
The investigation, dubbed “Operation Whoville,” involved a series of separate covert sting operations at six Chicago-area malls, including Orland Square, according to a the Cook County state’s attorney’s office. Arrests also were made at North Riverside, Old Orchard, Woodfield, Gurnee Mills and the Aurora Outlet malls, and on Michigan Avenue and State Street in Chicago.
A total of 108 individuals were arrested over the last month and charged with theft of a wide variety of products including clothing, electronics, jewelry, medicines and baby formula, prosecutors said. Authorities also recovered drugs and guns from several suspects during the operation.
They said the sting targeted organized crews who steal products from retailers and sell the stolen goods to fencing operations that resell them for significant untaxed profits and also are known to finance other criminal activity. Investigators said the crews generally work in groups and designate a time and location for the thefts, targeting retail outlets for particular merchandise.
The monthlong operation was coordinated by the State’s Attorney’s Regional Organized Crime Task Force, a group of law enforcement and retailers formed to combat organized retail theft and fencing, authorities said. State’s Attorney Anita Alvarez said the operation was timed to prevent as much organized retail theft as possible during the holiday shopping season.
Thefts by boosting crews result in billions of dollars a year in losses that retailers pass on to consumers, according to Alvarez’s office. It’s estimated that the state of Illinois loses about $77 million a year in revenue as a result of shoplifting and organized retail theft.
The arrests also led authorities to identify others engaging in a litany of crimes, including credit card fraud and public aid fraud.
Source:Southtown Star
Private security patrolling rowdy Amherst streets www.privateofficer.com
But this fall, residents have hired a private security company to help keep the peace.
During the Labor Day weekend Shepherd Security of Springfield was out on the streets noting addresses where loud gatherings were taking place.
The effort continued Wednesday evening, when Amherst police officers responded to a “hot spot” list provided by Shepherd Security. Addresses listed were residences security crews deemed noisy, but had not drawn police attention, likely in part because resources are stretched, said Amherst Police Capt. Christopher Pronovost.
Officers who patrol the area met with the residents of these homes, dropped off business cards and copies of town bylaws and explained the expectations.
Police went to five homes on Phillips Street, one home on Fearing Street and one home on Allen Street, according to Pronovost.
He said police welcome the assistance of private security.
“If it helps, that’s great. If it gives peace of mind to residents, that’s even better,” said Pronovost.
Rolf Karlstrom of Fearing Street, who is listed as the police department’s contact person concerning the security arrangement, could not be reached for comment.
While many apartment complexes and private landlords have used security companies in the past, it is unusual, but not unprecedented for residents to get together to pay for such a service themselves.
In the spring of 2009, North Prospect Street residents hired Denmor Security to do similar patrols.
Robert Abramms, who led that initiative, said he provided advice to the Fearing Street and Lincoln Avenue residents who hired Shepherd Security, which is expected to be in Amherst again this weekend.
“It was the single most effective thing we’ve ever done to improve the quality of life in the neighborhood,” Abramms said.
The earlier effort was aimed at students returning from the downtown bars, he said. The security personnel told disruptive students that their noise was making it tough for families, especially those with small children, Abramms said.
“It’s a matter of education and courteous requests,” Abramms said. “And students being clueless as to their intrusion.”
Before security officers went out last weekend, Pronovost said Lt. William Menard met with residents and representatives of the company to go over protocol. If there are any serious concerns about activity they observe, he said, they were advised to contact emergency dispatch immediately.
“We don’t want any civilians getting into an volatile situations with students,” Pronovost said.
The police department is also sending letters to parents of college students who have had encounters with police over their behavior. It is an effort that began last fall.
Even though he provided advice to those who hired Shepherd Security, Abramms said he is not sure the action will diminish disruptive behavior. He noted that there are a number of rentals in the neighborhood, and the town has not yet figured out ways to punish landlords whose tenants are causing problems.
And, he said, Fearing Street, located adjacent to the Southwest dormitory area of the UMass campus, presents a challenging situation. “There are literally thousands of people who are traveling back to the campus that are heavily intoxicated,” he said.
Source:gazettenet
Tulsa man impersonated police during robbery www.privateofficer.com
Tulsa OK July 13 2012 – A man is behind bars on Wednesday after allegedly impersonating a police officer Sunday night.
24-year-old Adam Odell McAdoo of Tulsa was arrested Wednesday afternoon on complaints of impersonating a police officer and larceny from two people Sunday night.
Tulsa PD Corporal Will Dalsing told Tulsa’s Channel 8′s crew Sunday night that McAdoo and another suspect posed as police officers at the Bristol Park Apartments just before 11:00 p.m. Sunday.
McAdoo and the other suspect reportedly pulled up in a green minivan next to two Hispanic men, rifled through their pockets, got cash from their wallets, and left.
“With this Hispanic population being targeted, that’s always a big concern for us,” Dalsing said Sunday night.
Cpl. Dalsing suggested that anyone who questions the credentials of people claiming to be police officers may call the police department to confirm that officers are officially at a location taking some action.
McAdoo had been arrested in May for kidnapping with extortion. He bonded out and was awaiting trial for that charge.
The other suspect in Saturday’s alleged crimes has not been located.
McAdoo’s bond was set at $100,000.
Santa Fe Railyard to hire private security to patrol area www.privateofficer.com
In February, the City Council approved a conceptual plan to spend about $95,500 to patrol public spaces on the city-owned land from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week.
A contract approved Tuesday night by the city Public Works Committee would give the funds and the responsibility to hire and oversee the private security effort to the Santa Fe Railyard Community Corp.
The nonprofit leases the Railyard from the city and manages developments and events there. The contract requires approval by the full City Council before it becomes final.
The idea to hire security guards for the property stems from a 2011 council order for city staff to consider such a plan in light of reports of violence and public drunkenness at the Railyard. People who live nearby and users of the Railyard Park complained about questionable behaviors, including drug use and lewd acts.
If everything moves along as expected, private security would be in place by the third week of June, said Richard Czoski, the nonprofit’s executive director.
Having private security doesn’t mean city police will stop patrolling the Railyard Park, according to a memo from Police Chief Ray Rael. He wrote that the city plans to provide a new patrol there from noon through midnight on weekends between May and August.
In addition to the plans to put more enforcers on the ground, a city working group this year also recommended changes to city ordinances that could help combat the public drunkenness issue, including an amendment that councilors already adopted that stiffened rules about carrying an open container of alcohol in a public place not licensed to serve or sell alcohol. Other suggestions from the group include limiting sales of on-the-go alcoholic beverages such as “minis” and cold single beers, and hiking the city tax on alcohol to use the money for drug and alcohol treatment.
The committee rejected a proposal to give the Railyard Corp. $7,000 to pay electrical and mechanical engineers to design a snowmelt system under the historic brick platform outside the Santa Fe Depot. The committee instead advised city staff to find a “low-tech” solution such as a shelter structure or hiring temporary workers to shovel snow.
Meanwhile, the city this month closed on its real-estate deal to become the official owner of part of the Market Station building.
The purchase of a condominium interest in the top floor of the partly empty commercial building was approved by the City Council in late April as part of a settlement that ended a threat of litigation from the private owners of the rest of the building.
Consummation of the transaction also means that a partner in the development, Railyard Co. LLC, no longer is leasing an adjoining parcel of land slated for development of a movie theater.
The community corporation has been talking with two potential movie theater developers in recent weeks and will conduct a formal appraisal of the theater parcel to establish what it might be able to charge for a ground lease under current market conditions. Czoski said the nonprofit hopes to have a deal in place by September.
The city plans to move offices to the Railyard from a rented space on Federal Place, across from City Hall, but first has to finish the interior of the new space. City Manager Robert Romero said the move isn’t expected to happen for about a year.
Source:sfnewmexican.com
Santa Cruz County Bank employee faces embezzlement charges www.privateofficer.com
The arraignment of Alexandria Gonzalez, 30, was postponed to June 12, to give her time to finalize an agreement with defense attorney George Gigarjian.
Gonzalez has strong family ties to the area and is a single, working mom who has no criminal record, he said.
She has paid back $20,600, and admitted to taking that amount, he said.
Authorities allege she stole an additional $65,000.
Prosecutor Sara Dabkowski argued for bail of $100,000, telling the judge that Gonzalez made several withdrawals over a period of time, violating the trust of her employer.
About 12 people came to court in support of Gonzalez and Symons said she received letters on her behalf as well.
Symons said she was concerned about an unconfirmed report that one of the bank clients was an elderly person.
“The court is concerned about an elderly victim,” she said. “That is a different level of responsibility.”
But Symons granted the release, warning that she could revise her ruling if given additional incriminating evidence. She asked Dabkowski to give her any information on any elderly victim.
Symons ordered Gonzalez to not work in any capacity granting her access to other people’s money, and to tell any current or future employers about the accusations.
She ordered her to stay away from the bank and the clients she is alleged to have stolen from.
Court records show the violations came to light in December, and that Gonzalez has been charged with grand theft.
Source: mercury news
Albuquerque police -store security launch Coronado Crackdown www.privateofficer.com
Albuquerque NM May 23 2012 It was a major league bust for some major league shoplifters at New Mexico’s biggest shopping mall, as Albuquerque police launch a Coronado Crackdown.
A three day operation at Coronado Mall last week put 38 shoplifters in jail, with cops recovering $3,000 worth of merchandise and still tracking down another $20,000 or so on the black market.
Police detectives worked with mall security officers and store “loss prevention” specialists to catch shoplifters last week, working undercover and following them as they hit as many as seven different stores.
Cops said they learned a lot just by watching.
“Some of the teams that we saw as part of these organized shoplifting groups included a mother-daughter, a father-son, and a husband-wife team,” said Police Chief Ray Schultz. “They were working in concert with each other.”
“It’s been different just because we really pulled together,” said B Janecka of Coronado Mall. ” We had all of the retailers, our mall security, and the Albuquerque Police Department to make this happen. I think that’s what really helped. We all came together and we worked as a team.”
The star of the Coronado Crackdown has to be 38-year-old Manuel Leyba. Police said he swiped more than $13,000 worth of merchandise before they popped him.
Police say they will run similar operations in the malls and retail centers during the summer months.
A Growing Trend: Law Enforcement Partnering with Private Security www.privateofficer.com
These partnerships were recently made evident when University of Alabama college professor Gary Warner and his student solved a sophisticated cyber-security breach, known as the Trident Breach by a hacker group called “ZeuS.”
This group stole an estimated $70 million from 400 American companies and organizations, using foreign college students as “money mules.” Professor Warner and his students were not only able to locate the ring’s central figures; they went one step further and located many of the “money mules” in foreign countries, which lead to many more arrests.
The professor was also part of a public/private partnership called InfraGard, an FBI-run program with 45,000-plus members in more than 80 cities in the U.S. The majority of this group’s members are private security professionals.
In these days of shrinking budgets, law enforcement agencies are wise to turn to the private security sector that now has more than 1.2 million personnel in the United States and protects over 50% of the nation’s critical infrastructure.
There are many successful examples of private/public partnerships, from the local level to the federal levels. For example, partnerships have been made to fight retail organized crime rings, investigate financial fraud, and even patrol downtown business districts. Police around the nation are quickly finding out that the private sector is a valuable tool to fill in gaps left by a poor economy and increasing responsibilities of law enforcement.
Many of the associations that foster these public/private partnerships may not be known to local law enforcement, but they are well worth getting involved in.
The International Association of Financial Crimes Investigators (IAFCI) links security personnel that work for banks, credit card companies, and other financial institutions with law enforcement. They have not only been able to solve financial crimes, but have been able to assist with tracking other criminals based on financial transactions.
The Loss Prevention Foundation, National Retail Federation, and other retail security groups are partnering with police to combat organized retail crime, which is responsible for as much as five times the loss of simple shoplifters.
And the aforementioned InfraGard Program has been a huge success in partnering with law enforcement to combat a variety of criminal elements.
Police who just attend police training are limiting their knowledge.
The old perception that private security is just minimum-wage guards trying to “play” policemen is gone. Even though there are still “guards” out there, the private sector security professional of today are better educated and better trained than many in the law enforcement field. They are specialists with knowledge in areas such as cybersecurity, retail theft, counterfeit goods, financial crimes, as well as security for school campuses, hospitals, corporate offices, and much more.
It is important for local, county and state police to get involved with these private security groups and attend the various trainings that are offered to better understand the extent of the many problems they are facing, what the private sector is doing to combat these problems, and the resources that may be available to them.
Harris County Sheriff’s Office partners with local private security companies www.privateofficer.com
Houston TXMarch 22 2012 The Harris County Sheriff’s Office and local private security companies today announced a new partnership to train private security guards as added eyes and ears for the department.
The effort is being led by Sheriff Adrian Garcia and the Law Enforcement and Private Security program, which promotes a positive working relationship between law enforcement agencies and the private security industry.
“This is a no brainer,” says Sheriff Garcia in a statement. “Security professionals are out there in the field every day and night. By enlisting their help we have extra boots on the ground to spot suspicious or criminal activity.”
The partnership will facilitate the exchange of crime information between private security agencies and law enforcement.
“By working together with the private security industry, we will be able to help prevent crimes and even locate individuals we’re looking for, whether they’re missing persons or suspects wanted for a crime,” he added.
On Thursday, HCSO deputies will train private security personnel in an all-day workshop at the HCSO Academy in Atascocita. They’ll be covering numerous topics including, crime scene preservation, note taking, threat detection, and dispute resolution.
“Sheriff Adrian Garcia is the first in Harris County to recognize this previously untapped resource and has made Harris County much safer with this partnership between private security professionals and law enforcement officers,” said Bob Burt, former state president of ASSIST.
The American Society of Industrial Security – International, Associated Security Services and Investigators of the State of Texas are also participating in the effort.
“The Houston chapter of the American Society of Industrial Security – International supports and commends the Harris County Sheriff’s Office for launching another effective Public-Private partnership to the benefit of the community. LEAPS brings additional eyes and ears through the private security industry, creating a better understanding, cooperation and coordination with area law enforcement agencies,” stated Charles Andrews, CPP Chairman, ASIS International Houston Chapter.
Cops hire security to protect police building www.privateofficer.com
Aurora Canada Oct 28 2011 A massive York Regional Police building in Aurora staffed by investigators and tactical officers will be monitored by private security.
Toronto’s Primary Response Inc. will provide security at the sprawling central services building, near Leslie and Wellington streets, for 36 months at a cost of $702,595, with an option to renew for two more 12-month periods under the same terms and conditions, the York Police Services Board decided this afternoon without discussion.
Primary Response beat out six other companies for the contract — two of which were rejected in the late stages of the process because they couldn’t fulfill the requirements of the contract, police said.
The primary role of the private guards will be to monitor security screens for suspicious behaviour and alert officers about visitors outside regular business hours, the force says.
If suspicious activity is detected, a police officer will be dispatched.
The Aurora building, which serves as investigative home for units including homicide, sex assault, hold-up and traffic, was constructed at a cost of $72.5 million and opened to the public last November.
It is not a traditional police station, although there is a counter for civilian background check applications.
Because it’s not a traditional station, it does not require rank-and-file officers to staff the counter. That would cost too much, the force says.
If York police is happy with the job Primary Response does at the 245,000-square-foot building, the contract will not need to come back to the board for renewal. That decision will rest with Chief Eric Jolliffe.
Source:yorkregion.com
England looking to hire private security to replace police positions www.privateofficer.com
Warwickshire Police is taking on G4S contractors to plug gaps left after its longest-serving officers were ordered to retire.
It is the second force in the Midlands to adopt the controversial policy which has attracted criticism from MPs and unions.
The news comes after the Sunday Mercury previously revealed West Midlands Police was having to hire agency staff for its stretched Counter Terrorism Unit.
The private-firm cops were brought in to probe high-profile murder investigations, the recent riots as well as other crimes.
Now it has emerged that Warwickshire Police is also being forced to resort to hiring external contractors.
Private security firm G4S, formerly Group 4 Securicor, has been advertising for contractors to plug gaps in the force’s CID departments.
An online advert said candidates would be paid £15 per hour to provide ‘‘support to staff and officers in all aspects of crime investigation and case file management’’.
Far from being peripheral roles, the successful candidates would need to ‘‘identify and exploit investigative and intelligence opportunities in order to detect serious and complex crime’’.
Warwickshire Police is one of several forces, including West Midlands, which is implementing a legal loophole known as A19 to force officers with more than 30 years’ service to retire.
Many of the 24 G4S contractors taken on by West Midlands were ex-officers.
In a statement, Warwickshire Police said: “In common with many organisations, Warwickshire Police sometimes needs to employ contract staff to fulfil performance requirements. When this is required we use an employment agency. On occasions we require contract staff with specialist policing experience. In this case the agency we use sub contracts to agencies who are able to provide staff with these skills as they specialise in recruiting former police officers and police staff.
‘‘The number of contracted employees working for Warwickshire Police at any time varies from week to week and month to month, depending on the requirements of the force and the work required.’’
Alert Vegas casino security officer leads to arrest of kidnapper www.privateofficer.com
Las Vegas NV Oct 6 2011 A 16-year-old girl allegedly abducted this week in California by 37-year-old man has been found in Las Vegas.
Mauricio Maldonado was arrested in connection with the alleged abduction that occurred about noon Monday from a Fontana, Calif., school, according to the Criminal Apprehension Team, which includes members from the FBI, and Henderson and Metro police.
Maldonado and the alleged victim left Fontana and headed to Las Vegas in a gold 2004 Chevrolet Suburban, officials said. According to police, Maldonado had known the victim for two months.
The Fontana Police Department began an investigation after being contacted by the girl’s mother. The Criminal Apprehension Team was asked to assist with the investigation, officials said.
Fliers were distributed to hotels in Las Vegas. An hour later, a security official from a Strip casino called to report a car parked in the property’s garage that matched the suspect’s vehicle, officials said.
Authorities conducted a search of the property, where they detained Maldonado and the alleged victim as they were walking through an arcade.
Maldonado was booked into the Clark County Detention Center as a fugitive and is awaiting extradition proceedings. The girl has been returned to California, officials said.
Source:las vegas sun
