Unprofessional Moron Of the Day

Whole Foods' security guard is fired after 'slamming a customer into concrete pillars before choking him unconscious in bloody attack when he tried to pay with food stamps'

• A Whole Foods Market security guard in Oakland has been fired after he allegedly assaulted a customer Thursday night
• The attack reportedly began inside the store and an eyewitness shared disturbing images of the bloodied victim to Facebook
• Witness Zoe Marks says the victim was not 'shouting' or  being 'violent' before the guard slammed the man into concrete pillars
• Marks says the guard put the shopper into a chokehold and 'suffocated' him before throwing him on the ground outside unconscious
• Police are investigating the incident and the victim is in stable condition at a local hospital  

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3223093/A-Foods-security-guard-fired-reportedly-slammed-customer-buying-groceries-concrete-pillars-chokehold-throwing-ground-unconscious.html#ixzz3krCiKVol

Louie Bee's Commentary:

Please read the whole story above. What seems like was we have another case of an ego driven poorly trained security unprofessional over stepping his responsibility.

Violence is to be avoided at all cost. In most cases even when you are in the right to use violence you end up in the wrong. That is because most corporations are so scared of lawsuits. Even if the suspect is trying to kill you, the company will side on its best interests.

First, SG's are not police, do not have the same powers as police, so keep your hands to yourself.
Second,  If the customer is not being unruly LET THE STORE MANAGER HANDLE IT!
Third, A SG's job is to observe and report. Only intervene when the situation gets out of hand.

This SG got fired and now Whole Foods is in damage control mode. I guarantee the SG is going to face charges and Whole Foods is going to have to pay a hefty settlement to the victim. and rightfully so. He was an armed guard as well so imagine if Mr. wannabe jack boot thug cop wanted to play dirty harry with the customer? The SG could have killed the customer over trying to PAY with food stamps.

SG's like him make me sick. Acting like you have special powers. I can't stress this enough, SG's are not police. You can not choke someone because you don't like them. I hope this customer recovers and sues the hell out of Whole Foods for obviously not training the SG in public relations and allowing a loose cannon to guard its facility.

Jesse Jackson Calls For Better Treatment Of Amazon's Security Guards

This is Further proof that contract security workers are treated like crap.

http://www.kplu.org/post/jesse-jackson-calls-better-treatment-amazons-security-guards

Accompanied by a small entourage, Reverend Jesse Jackson spoke at a rally outside Amazon’s headquarters in Seattle Wednesday in support of Amazon’s security guards.

The security guards are not employed by Amazon, but instead work for a California-based company called Security Industry Specialists, or SIS.

Jackson led the modest crowd in a variation of "Hands up! Don't shoot!" — the chant recited by protesters in Ferguson, Missouri. The crowd turned it into a call for better conditions for low wage workers: “Hands up for jobs and justice! Hands up for security workers who want to see their children go to college. Hands up!”

The rally was partially organized by the Service Employees International Union, which accuses SIS of unfair labor practices. SIS, in turn, says the union is running a "vicious corporate” campaign against the company to pressure its workers to unionize.

Jackson has been in the Seattle area for the past few days shining a light on the lack of diversity in the tech industry. He is encouraging protesters demonstrating against the grand jury decision in Ferguson to express their opinions peacefully.

Use Of Force as a Security Guard.

I recently saw this video about 3 security guards allegedly suffocating a black man to death a la Eric Garner.

My first thought was Fucking Idiots! You are security with zero police powers.

According to the site legalmatch.com:

A security guard has the general authority to detain someone if there is probable cause that shoplifting has occurred. However, this authority has some limitations. Any time a security guard stops a shopper, it must be for a reasonable time, and must be done in a reasonable manner.

Probable Cause 

"Probable cause" means that a security guard has reason to suspect that shoplifting has occurred. This normally means that he or she observes an individual approach merchandise, select the merchandise, conceal or carry away the merchandise, and leave the store. If there is probable cause, the guard may detain the suspected individual.

Reasonable Manner

Detention of any shopper must be done in a reasonable manner. What is reasonable depends on the circumstances, but usually includes:

•  Physical restraint such as handcuffing if it appears to be necessary under the circumstances. 
•  A "pat down" of the suspect to determine whether he or she is carrying a weapon or otherwise poses a threat to safety. 
•  Requesting identification from the suspected shoplifter. 

A security guard can never use excessive force. Excessive force can include, but is not limited to, application of pain, choking, or improper handcuff use. Foul language, discriminatory slurs, and verbal threats can also be considered excessive force

Unreasonable detention by a store security guard may create valid claims of false arrest, false imprisonment, malicious prosecution, excessive use of force, or assault.  You may have the right to sue the store for damages you have incurred as a result of the detention.

If I were these guys I would shitting myself preparing to spend time in jail and be in debt from paying my share of the lawsuit. If the client expects you to act like a cop remind him of the liability it can open you up to. Your job is to observe and report. Not play fucking dirty harry. You will be left out in the cold if it goes wrong and no one will protect your interests. Be smart if you use violence on the job you will lose. There is no blue wall for security guards.

Apple Store Guards Stage Sit-In Demanding Higher Wages

Silicon Valley's top tech firms are infamous for paying their help borderline-poverty wages, including private security. Today, some of Apple's retail and corporate guards protested their low pay at the company's flagship shop in San Francisco.


According to multiple protesters and reporters, tweeting under the hashtag #TechCanDoBetter, contractors organized by the SEIU labor union staged a sit-in at the Apple Store in downtown San Francisco. Holding signs reading "Invisible No More" and "Opportunity for All Our Communities," the protesters peacefully occupied the store for over an hour before a confrontation with police.



As it became clear Apple employees were going to "wait the protesters out," the contractors allegedly decided to block the doors to the store. Police officers then declared the demonstration illegal, and then arrested a dozen of the protesters.

Read more at http://valleywag.gawker.com/tech-security-contractors-arrested-after-demanding-high-1628155044

No name Security Company Scams Brother and Sister out of Money

One of my viewers sent me this email about a common scam in the security industry. She answered this ad on Craigslist that said:

FRONT DESK SECURITY
 front desk duties, Answering phones, Signing in packages, Signing Guests IN/Out, Monitoring Surveillance Cameras
MORNING / OVERNIGHT Shifts open
Security training will be available upon acceptance, Mandatory !
NO HIGH SCHOOL/GED -OKNO EXPERIENCE -OKN
O GREEN CARD -OK
NO FELONIES ( will not be accepted !)Must be 18 years and over Male/Female.
pay is up to $16.72
Call for an INTERVIEW : 212 470 1862
reply by email: msrivera10222@gmail.com

She writes:

A few weeks ago my brother and I saw this ad on the internet, we really wanted a job, so we decided to give them a call. We called them the very same day, and spoke to a  Ms. Rivera. Ms. Rivera told us about the job, the work hours, and how they pay. Ms. Rivera even gave us the schedule of the shifts they had available. Ms. Rivera said that all we need to get started is only $80. Ms. Rivera said that if we have the $80 we can come in the next day. 
When we went there the following day and met with a man that works with  Ms. Rivera his name was Mr. Rosa. Mr. Rosa spoke to my brother and I, saying that because my brother didn't have a security license he would have to apply for one, take an 8 hours course, a16 hours course and a fire guard class. For this the cost would be $500. Mr. Rosa said because I already had a Security Guard license, and my 8 hours certificate. I just needed to do the 16 hours course, and the fire guard class that will cost me $300. We didn't have all the money so Mr. Rosa said we could pay part and then we could finish paying once we started working. 
Mr. Rosa told my brother that as soon as we pay down part of the money he could start his classes and it's only for three days, and he told me that because I got my licence I would start working by the Wednesday when I pay my part of the money. My brother and I borrowed $300 from our mother and went to pay Mr Rosa so that we could get started. We went and payed him and he told us that we should call him the next day so he could schedule my brother for classes and put me at a work site. The next day we called him and Mr. Rosa said that we should call back he is busy. I tried calling him on many occasions yet he didn't want to answer.

Let me break this down so you will recognize this.

1. What is the name and address of the business? where are they located? no where in the ad. Any reputable business will have this information.
2. Where is a website? In 2014 there should be a website?
3. Up front costs. Always ask what the upfront costs are for? Most Security Guard companies and schools do not charge an entrance fee.
4. If they are pressuring you leave. Never give your money to someone pushy there are legit schools out there.
5. Upselling. Making it seem you need to take extra classes that are not required by law to be able to charge more is shadey. 
6. Always google the phone number and check for reviews. No Reviews or Bad Reviews Never do business with them.

What you should be paying for security courses as posted by REMS security training school http://www.securitytraining.com/

8 hour security class - $45

16 hour Security class- $90 I have seen it lower for $70 else where.

For information about getting your fire guard license read my blog post here How do I get a Fireguard License in NYC

In closing if it doesnt feel right back out. Because as soon as you give up the money getting it back might be close to impossible.

Security Guard Horror Stories: Getting Stuck

In the next installment of my "security Guard Horror Stories" I bring you the example of getting stuck on site. Getting stuck on site means when it is time for you to go home and your relief doesn't show up. So you call your supervisor but either they do not answer or they give you a rude comment saying "Well we have no one to relieve you", so you end up doing a double. In this experience it was far worse.

I worked for a small security company called Sovereign Security. I was working for them for about a month at the time and the turn over at the site I was at was very frequent. At the time my shift was the 6pm till 2am shift. So on this particular night it was friday into saturday. It was already 1:53am I am looking at the clock wondering where is my relief. 2am comes and goes it is now 3am. I tried calling my supervisor but she was asleep for the night and not picking up the phone for nothing.

I realize I am now stuck and have to pull a double. which is the 2am till 10am shift. I do it at least it was a sit down post and it was dead. I could also go on the internet and watch movies so I was fine for now. 10am comes the staff has arrived for the day yet still no relief has showed up. I called my supervisor she picks up and tells me that two people decided to quit at the same time. My two reliefs. I was already fading fast. My eyes were really heavy.

At 11:30am my supervisor finally calls saying she herself will relive me at 2pm. 2pm!!!! At this point I have been on site for 17 1/2 hours straight. Now I have to wait till 2! that will make it 20 hours straight.

2 o'clock rolls around my supervisor hasnt shown up yet. she doesn't come until 3pm with some excuse about having to pick up her grand child from school or some bullshit. I have been there 21 hours straight! Mind you there was a zero tolerance policy for falling a sleep on post.

In security there is no respect for your health or time. You are expect to be a spartan able to endure superhuman stresses on your body. The kicker was I was only paid 9 dollars an hour! At the time I had 8 years experience. No respect.

Well stay tuned and subscribe for more Security Guard Horror Stories.

Security Guard Horror Stories: Refusing To Show I.D.

I have had many conflicts when dealing with the public in my job as a security guard. Since Security is viewed as a job for lazy people. Some people believe that we can be abused and just pushed aside.

In this one occasion I was posted in this small office building in the Chelsea neighborhood of Manhattan. This woman came in wanting to go upstairs to the Buddhist temple for the meditation. I told her that she would need to show identification and sign in the guest book before she would be granted access to the temple. She got irate immediately.

The argument went like this:

Her: This is ridiculous. I never had to do that before.

Me: That is why they are no longer here. I do not make the rules.

Her: Well I am already running late I do not have time for this.

Me: (suppressing my rage) I am sorry for the delay but I can not allow you access until you sign in.

Her: I don't have to show you anything.

Me: As a condition of entry you must show Id or you will have to leave.

Her: I am going upstairs.

Me: Then please show me Id and sign in the guest book.

Her: I do not have time for you.

She proceeded to walk past me and get on the elevator. I then put my foot to prevent the doors from closing and keeping the elevator from going up.

Her: Are you really going to keep me from going upstairs?

Me: Yes Please sign in and you will be allowed access ma'am.

Her: You are an @$$hole.

Me: Thank you for the compliment. I am sorry for the inconvenience.

Her: I will have you arrested for kidnapping.

Me: You can leave at anytime I am not keeping you from leaving. You are just not granted access into the building because you refuse to comply to the conditions of entering this building. In fact you are trespassing and I am doing my job preventing you from going up.

Her: I want to speaking to your *&()ing supervisor.

Me: Yes Ma'am please get out of the elevator and I will call him.

She gets out. Cursing me out. I called my supervisor and tell him the situation and put him on the phone with her.

Her: I don't want to show him my ID. He might be a criminal. (seriously holding my rage from this racist lovely lady) I come here all the time and I never had to sign in. He never showed me his id. (my id badge is on my shirt. I show it to her) No I do not want to see your id you @$$hole! I am already late and this fat %^&* is making me later. (seriously wanting to unleash on her but kept my composure)

At this point my Supervisor tells her she will not be allowed access until she shows id. That she is the making herself later and that she could be arrested if she tries to come onto the property unless she signs in. That we do this in case of an emergency to know who is in the building to coordinate efforts with emergency personnel.

She was like okay I will just show him my credit card it has my name on it. She takes out her debit card but since it doesn't have a photo I refuse it as proper identification. My supervisor backs me up. Impressed that after her verbal abuse I am firm and polite despite her talking to me like an animal. She takes out her state id and signs in after 15 minutes calls me an @$$hole one more time. I say thank you and please have a blessed day. She goes up annoyed but no further conflict.

My supervisor came to the site to commend me on keeping my cool and professionalism. Also to laugh when I showed her my Id when she asked for it immediately. And that is how I dealt with conflict. I stayed calm and firm and contacted a supervisor to back me up.

Being a Security Guard is NOT a Career!

Me at the US OPEN
FLUSHING, NY

This blog was made to keep it real with people who want to become security guards or officers. I have been a fully certified security guard for 10 plus years and have an associates degree. I have worked at universities, homeless shelters, events,  and office buildings. after school programs, and construction sites. I want to make sure that you know that being a security guard is a shit job.I am going to explain that Security is not a career. If you are thinking of becoming a security guard it is probably because you do not have any real skills and this industry is the only place to get a job in this economy. If that is the case then please read this blog. Security guard jobs are plentiful but are very bad due to low pay, no respect, no job security and, no advancement.

First, the low Pay. The Average yearly salary for a security guard in NYC is $25,000. Your take home pay will be $19,265. For New York City that is basically nothing. You are not paid what you are worth. In my case I have 10 years in the industry, have a fireguard license and all my certifications were up to date. I was offered a "lucrative" salary of $9 an hour at a standing post with no break, no benefits. The selling point was that I had weekends off. I was told that this was one of there highest paid sites. I would have been better if they paid me in a weekly Metro Card and one sandwich a week. I walk off telling the interviewer that I am not an illegal. Contract security is just that: by contract. When the client hires a security company, they pay "X" amount per contract hour. The security company divides that money between office personnel (branch manager, secretary, etc.), overhead (office bills, insurance, taxes, uniforms, etc.) and the security officer, who is LAST in line. By that time, there's little left. To rephrase a Paul Mooney joke; Everyone wants security but No one wants security. They want someone to keep pesky cold-calls away, or someone to blame for whatever goes wrong on nights and weekends. But the biggest incentive for having security guards on-site is the break the clients get in their insurance policies.

Second, There is no respect for security guards. Having a thick skin is a valuable skill to have. You will have to tolerate and almost enjoy having to eat shit all the time. Dealing with the constant disrespect. Rent-a-cop, flashlight cop,wanna-be-cop are all insults thrown at us. The funny thing is we have no type of arrest powers. In fact we can't put our hands on anyone. In theory someone can trespass and we can't physically stop them. They can tell us to go fuck ourselves and continue doing whatever they want to do. Our job is to observe and report. If  we see someone we can only call the police and direct them to where the crime is taking place. If we were to fight a trespasser even if we are attacked we can face jail time, lawsuit , and termination of employment. However if we do nothing we risk termination anyways. It is the damned if you do damned if you don't moral conundrum. There have been times were I was working and there was that one white woman who can not be bothered to show an ID because she is running late. I always expect the "I get paid more than you, You're not a cop". You just have to swallow those insults and smile and try to do the job you are paid for.

Third, there is no job security. Security is the only job where you can be fired for doing your job right. I was removed from a site because I carded the wife of a client. She refused to identify herself acting like I should know her. She made a huge stink and even though I was doing my job the client didn't want me there. You are viewed as disposable and replaceable at the whim of the client or your bosses. You have too many bosses anyone can get you fired from the top boss to the mexican cleaner. Another site I was removed from wasn't even because of anything I did. The maintenance supervisor and the Security Supervisor (client) were having a pissing contest to try to get the most people fired from their team. I ended up on radar because I would catch the maintenance guys goofing off. So they complained to the boss and they told me that I was spying on them. I am fucking security it was my job to patrol and make sure nothing wrong happened. They complained so much I was removed.

Fourth, there generally no room to advance. Security is generally a dead end job. In very rare cases the only way to get ahead is to know someone and kissing a lot of ass. I have personally seen a guard who was reliable, hard working, and seniority to his job passed over for a supervisor position because the other guy was friends with the boss. The saying is true  “It’s not what you know but who you know". On the other side of the coin if you do get a promotion it is only title and more responsibilities but no raise in pay. More often than not companies would rather hire from the outside. Getting people who already have managerial experience rather than train. This is usually to prevent lose of personnel to other companies that will pay more.

In closing, a security guard job is not a career. It should be seen the same way stripping is; a means to an end. If you get into security have a plan to get out sooner rather than later. Security should be for students paying there way and retirees looking for a second job to pass the time. Not for people with families. As a security guard you have no life and are expected to be a spartan. Work Long hours, and stand for long periods of time. You may barely be allowed to drink water, use the bathroom, have a break. You are not human as a security guard you are basically a scarecrow with a heart beat.I highly recommend going to school getting skilled and getting a real job that will pay you a better living.

In house Vs. Contract Security Jobs

You may have come to this blog because you are new to the security industry and need some guidance. That is why I made this blog was to help others avoid the pitfalls of the security industry. As a security officer I feel like a nomad not staying with a position long enough to grow roots with a company. And, why is that? Its because we are always looking for better. Better hours, Pay, and a job with benefits. You may have heard the terms “in-house security” and “contract security” work. What are they and what is the difference? Which is better? What do they have to offer?

What are “in-house security” and “contract security” jobs? In house security controlled entirely by the company establishing security for its operations. Contract security services are operations that are provided by a professional security company that contracts its services to a company. For example, NYU Security guards work directly for NYU, they are in house. Most hotels and, universities have in-house security. Contract security companies are companies like Allied Barton, Securitas, FJC, etc.

In house security jobs usually pay more and better benefits than contract security. To get an in house security job you need to be more qualified. These are sometimes unionized. You will need at least 2 to 3 years experience and a high school diploma. You might want to get your fireguard license as well. You have more responsibility at these jobs. You will get treated like a total asshole if you mess up slightly.

Contract security usually means you have to eat shit for less money. Contract security companies use you to make them money so the less they pay you the more they profit. For example they charge the client like $40 a guard but pay you $9 and don't give you health or anything. To save even more money they hire more guards so no one gets 40hrs and they make sure you do not get paid for lunch so you will get paid 7 hrs a day. That is if you are lucky to get a lunch. You will get treated like a total asshole of the bat. There will be times that you will get stuck working over 16 hours because someone will have had enough and quit or have gotten fired.

No matter who you work for just know security is the red headed step child. Even though we are expected to fight Al Queada and prevent the apocalypse you will always be a low priority. At least with in house you get compensated better. So always aim for in house security. Contract work is only good to gain experience. So keep your eyes open and improve your skills and get those certifications. If you dont have you diploma get your GED it will help you out. As always strive to be better.

How To Avoid Security Guard Job Scams

There are a lot of scams on Craigslist, Newspapers and other job sites. Many security training schools will advertise themselves as A security company who is hiring. they will try to schedule an IMMEDIATE appointment with you and tell you to bring $80- $100 for a “Background Check, Drug Test or Uniform.” However, when you get there, it’s usually a security training school. Many of these scam schools will try to sell you classes that will not be recognized by an employer like, metal detection, and anti terror, and homeland security like you will be trained to be jack Bauer. 

YOU ARE ONLY required to have THE 8 HOUR, 16 HOUR, Guard license, and an 8 hour annual each year. If you want extra certifications to help, go for the Fireguard License and CPR/AED training but those are optional. 

In YouTube videos I posted I spoke about this one place in particular called Big Apple Security. Since then I have received emails and phone calls on horror stories of how Big Apple Security took people for hundreds of dollars and being told by their employees to just not come back and forget about the money. I am not going to ask for money I just doing what I was trained to do as a Security Officer and that is to observe and report. Ultimately it is up to the reader to show this and other videos to everyone considering Security work before they seek training to save you money. 

BEWARE OF SOME COMPANIES WHO ADVERTISE WITH 347, 646 & 917 AREA CODES. Avoid ads for security work with company names like HR department those are usually a fraud. Avoid ads that promise 12 or more starting you never get paid that much starting. AVOID PROMISES OF JOB PLACEMENT OVER THE PHONE. If you perceive that something does not sound right go with your instinct and leave. 

According the NYC Department of Consumer Affairs, Upfront fees for a job are a “Red Flag.” If you want a good job you will have to look for it yourself No school has the golden key to a good job you have to go out there and work to find one a lot of times it is who you know after you proven yourself. In fact in the contracts these fraud schools hide in the fine print usually say “we only provide job placement assistance. Obtaining the actual job is the client’s responsibility.” Before you go to these schools always check if they have complaints go to sites like Ripoffreport.com.

If you have been scammed please report to: 
Thomas P. Canning
NYS Division of Criminal Justice Services
Office of Public Safety Associate Training Technician (Police)
4 Tower Place
Albany, NY 12203-3764
phone 518-457-3580

If you are looking for legitimate training as a security officer I recommend going to R.E.M.S as they have the best prices by far. 
8 Hour Pre-Assignment Course $40
16 Hour On-The-Job Training Course $80.00
8 Hour Annual In-Service Course $40.00
They do charge to do the paper work for your license. 
For More Information go to http://www.securitytraining.com/Security_main.htm

How To Get a Security Guard License in New York

Find out How To Get a Security Guard License in The State of New York with Our Step-By-Step Video Guide. All Required Forms Can Be Downloaded At http://goo.gl/WQ1tA.

Learn more about the Security Guard Industry onhttp://www.securityguardcenter.com

Big Apple Security is a School And Job Scam

Big Apple Security Charges Applicants to work and makes unrealistic promises on their ads.

Their website www.BigApple-Security.com

Their address is
5601 Myrtle Avenue
Ridgewood, NY 11385
and another location at
469 7th ave 3rd fl Between 35th & 36th st on Fashion Ave and another one at
35 JOURNAL SQUARE JERSEY CITY NJ
their phone numbers are
1. (718) 418-5557
2. 646-371-7275
3. (347) 652-5524
4. 212.359.9460
5. 212.359.9462
6. 1-855-91-APPLE
7. 201-668-9417

Be sure to watch Security "The Truth Behind The Flashlight" Documentary on Security Guards and The Industry http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LsbqIguKHXQ

I found another complaint that someone posted on craigslist.

big apple security scam (Manhattan)

Date: 2012-05-17, 8:35PM EDT

I had an interview for a job offered in Jersey city. I thought it a bit of that the interview was in Manhattan for a Jersey job but o well. I showed up and was almost instantly asked for 90 dollars for a Sora class. I said i'm already certified in Jersey and if the job is in Jersey I don't need a NY license. the woman said I need double certification cause the office is in NY I told her she can lick nuts and I left. Don't fall for the scam. Also, a little tip. No company can certify you to use a night stick or baton any that offers is a scam you need a gun license just to carry a baton in Jersey.

I just contacted Mr Burgess owner of big apple security I told him I literally had all the training and he was still going to charge me $75 for what!!! He couldn't explain to me what the fee was for. If the advertised as a staffing agency and a training school I would understand but they have people coming in to interview for jobs he doesn't have. taking advantage of the poor broke people. Instead of going after the rich. Yeah cause massa has him trained. Expose these crooks and together we will clean up the industry.

Craigslist Security Guard Job Scams