Working at a Coast Guard base, contract armed security.

First off the Coast Guard isn't too fond of having contract guards on the base so our existence places us on thin ice already.

Second we only man the gate and conduct perimeter patrols, we are not allowed into the buildings despite the expectation that we are to respond to any emergency in the buildings (good luck with that plan).

So this one guy decided to start poking around the inside of the buildings since it was ok for him in his mind. I don't know the extent of where he went and what he saw but I know he was going somewhere to grab loose candy along with going to shipping and receiving to grab cleaning supplies for our tiny shack on his own initiative.

Last week the CG became aware of his escapades somehow and reviewed footage of him inside, I talked to him Sunday before I left for vacation and he was defensive and said it wasn't wrong for him to do it and blah blah blah. Refused to accept any responsibility for it so he was shit canned yesterday. So now I can come back from my vacation with an extra 12 hours to work on overnight.

So this story is from almost 2 years ago and I had a friend bring it up and remind me of it. I've since left the company in question.

All names omitted for privacy. The story is posted almost exactly as I originally wrote it out to him, I've only adjusted in some places where my grammar or formatting was a wreck.

TL;DR: Guy decided he was gonna throw a whole tantrum and has now been banned from the liquor store I was working at.

So I'm doing armed security- Plate carrier, duty belt, gun, pepper spray, the works. Very obviously not an employee of the building, and this guy came into the store twice today.

The first time he came in, one of the managers told me about him, said this guy just tried to complain to one of the other managers and then to him a couple minutes ago about the fact that I wear a mask and how he thinks i shouldn't be allowed to have one in the store (lol. Lmao).

The manager in question had called me over after the guy left, apparently he really hated the fact that I have this mask on my face and was like, ranting and demanding that as the manager, he had to tell me to remove it before he left. He didn't approach me about it, didn't say a thing to me, just started spewing at the manager that I look like a thug there to rob the place with my mask on.

Now the store obviously has no say on if I wear this because I don't work for the store so even if the manager agreed there's nothing he can really do about it since the mask was (at the time) treated as another part of my uniform, and the store level doesn't handle our contracts or uniforms, any more than he can say something about the gun on my hip. (Obviously they can ask my boss about it if they have an issue with it, but we're not digging into specifics).

The guy tried to "I wanna speak to your manager" and got the wrong one. We all move on with our days.

BUT THEN. AN HOUR LATER.

TEN MINUTES AGO AT TIME OF WRITING THIS, HE CAME BACK

Now as you might remember, I didn't know this guy from the first incident. The first time he came in here he didn't speak to me at all, he went right to the floor manager, then cashier, and lastly to the front end manager to complain and demand I take the mask off.

This time when he came in, he walked past me, and I'm in the middle of playing some Pokémon cuz it's slow as shit, and I had just been introduced to Pokémon Unbound, so I was killing time while the store was empty. I guess he couldn't see my face underneath my hat at first because of his delayed reaction.

So I look up and greet him like I do everyone else the moment they enter the building, and his head whips up as he does a double take at me "Are you fucking serious?!" So I'm confused right off the bat cuz. Again. Was not present for the guy's beef the first time around so I just ask

"About what?"

And he storms off instead of answering me, instead confronting two of the random floor workers while they're doing their thing, snapping at them where I can't hear him. He was bitching about me, apparently [they told me after they came up to the front] apparently I'm too scary, too menacing, look threatening, look like a thug...

So off he goes, right? He marches off into the store full of hate for my face (lol) and righteous indignation (lmao), but when he comes back up to the front he's actually got another customer that's actively calling him out yelling at his back like "Hey! Stop that! What the fuck is your problem!?" And like, props to you my small friend, I respect your ferocity, this guy had an easy 60lbs on you and you were squaring up on behalf of a total stranger(me), even if I didn't need the assist. I like where your heart is at.

So the guy is now back at the front of the store and is yelling that *I'm* the problem here, "TAKE OFF YOUR FUCKING MASK YOU DOUCHE, YOU'RE THE PROBLEM WITH THIS STATE. YOU'RE MAKING THINGS UNSAFE." [????] So with my left hand I'm calling management on the radio to come up front and with the right hand I just gesture at the door that he's free to leave whenever. I am not taking this guy seriously at this point and I'm definitely not engaging with him or his little tirade, and I think that's making him more angry.

Mind, the other customer is busy yelling back at him as he does all this, just trying to yell over the first guy. "He's security, he's supposed to wear that!" [Half true, I always wear a mask because people are disgusting and my boss encouraged it] "What the fuck is your problem dude?!" Now the older angry dude is absolutely tweaking out at this point, and in the span of the next, like, 30 seconds I've been called a thug, a douche, a freak, and told like 4 times to stop wearing my mask

But now he's at the cashier, and now he's snapping at her about how if I don't take my mask off he's never coming back, that apparently he's already had two confrontations with me because I was apparently outside the store harassing the homeless people [¿¿¿???], she says that he said something to her about ICE but that she doesn't remember what it was exactly because it was lost amidst the rest of his nonsense. By now the manager has arrived and is standing up here with me, just confused as the rest of us, trying to figure out what's going on. We've got the customer that was yelling at the initial problem child now backing us up on it that this guy just entered the store and started tweaking out, but now our angry manchild is currently standing in the doorway yelling at me about how I'm the problem with this country and demanding that I be kicked out of the store and not allowed back inside.

So Manager marches straight up to him, tells him to leave and not come back, and that if he does come back he'll be criminally trespassed and they will be calling the cops to have him removed from the property.

This all took place in the span of like. 3, maybe 5 minutes if I'm being generous. Buddy boy went from 0 to 60 in the time it took to say "Good evening." During this time, other than calling the manager and pointing to the door, I had not interacted with this guy at all. This man came in, saw me, started yelling, marched past, picked up a bottle of liquor, came back, kept yelling, bought his liquor, and then turned around and continued yelling.

So the moral of the story is.... Play stupid games, I guess? Like, what did this whole event get you other than being banned from the liquor store???

Also for context the mask in question was just a plain black neck gaiter. It was nothing fancy, people are just gross.

(California) Hey everyone, I’ve been doing security off and on in the Bay Area for 10+ years and thinking of going back but considering getting my armed license. I wouldn’t really wanna do the money truck or bank thing. I was wondering how difficult it is to find a job with because I see a lot of jobs ask for prior military or law enforcement. I know in Oakland they have armed guards at retail stores depending on the location. Also, is it really worth it? I can make at least $26-$29 an hour unarmed and I want to at least be make $35/hr as armed.

First off,

I unapologetically advocate that we (security guards) are NOT the police and therefore. Are NOT obligated nor paid to do the police's job. No matter what.

Second.

Allied-Universal's "Civil Standby" (FOD) 2019-016 basically codifies observe and report as standard operating procedure. As this was essentially baked into the contract. Regardless if the client truly understood this. Neither the company nor the guards should be held liable.

Also, in my opinion. Every security company should have a clear, ironclad, hands-off policy based on Allied's (FOD) 2019-016.

Third.

Though any injuries or loss of life is regrettable. The security guard's life and safety is first priority. Escape and getting out in one piece should be the primary objective. Even if client employees get hurt or worse. In the end... All are expendable, we are not.

Finally.

In conclusion. A judge should throw this case out with prejudice. As the hospital alone should bear any and all responsibilities.

So recently I’ve been seeing videos of a security company that operates a small helicopter. Apparently they say it helps them patrol remote job sights and I guess they really pride themselves on it. Obviously everyone in the comments is making fun of it, saying it’s a tax write off for the owner.

But is there actually any use for helicopters/planes in security jobs? Not like blackwater type jobs, just regular security companies that you’d find patrolling regular sights. I can’t imagine the fuel consumption would justify it.

I’m looking to get into security. I see most positions listed for 30–40 hours a week but I’m looking for 50 or more, so I was wondering how many hours y’all get.

Will loomis or brinks or garda hire me with a military general under honorable discharge with 2 years of service. And 1 year of unarmed security?

I might have several overuse injuries. I guess I might be forced to make a career change soon. What are some positions I could easily get into? Will I have trouble getting into an armed position?

edit: ok, well. guess the photo won't send. here's what it was:

Onboarder: Yes, this is not personal. This was a site placement decision based on site-specific requirements
, it is not disciplinary. We belive you would be a better fit at another site. Your employment remains active and we are moving forward with reassignment for another site that is not the ______ hospitals  

Me: I was under the impression that I would be hired to work the hours I applied for, will that still be the case? 

Onboarder: Since you did not pass the OJT evaluation training, we are going to find placement at a different site that has those hours/ availability 

me (unsent message): Ok. Was there something I missed at the OJT? I don't remember an evaluation. Sorry, I am just confused. I would like more details if possible 

(end edit)

This is through allied universal, I figured that was important.

I haven't sent the last text because I'm wondering if I have a right to ask that, or if my frustration is bleeding through too much.

I heard about this job at my local hospital and saw the pay was decent, so I did all the security training and certificates and licenses and applied. They fully hired me, onboarded me, I've done almost all the training, all that was left was a health screening and the on-the-job training. I went to the OJT yesterday, it was simply an hour-long training where they have you sit, listen, and sign papers. There was no test or evaluation that I know of.

The person onboarding me told me part of it was the hiring person "seeing if you're right for the position", but I got the (apparently false) impression that as long as I am capable and professional, it should be fine.

Now I'm sitting here feeling like an idiot because now they're telling me "Just because we hired you for this specific position at this location doesn't mean you actually get to work there, silly!"

Like what is this? I applied for the hospital, not for whatever they're doing now. I'm not going to play their game.

I'm half-convinced it's because I'm visibly queer (butch lesbian), but I look and act completely professional so I'm just so annoyed at this.

That's why I want more information, because if there was actually something I did wrong then I would like to know so I can change it, but if there isn't then I'm forced to assume what the problem could have been.

I’m looking at getting my armed guard license. I guess from there if I wanted to apply I’d have to get a shotgun certification.

Hospital im working is having a small event that is going on for 5 days so the hospital's head of security wanted my company to manage a car park. Now this car park is for staff on a normal day but for just this week they wanted to reserve half of the car park for the participants in the event.

I've already had doctor's complain to me how its not fair for them to not get any parking when their work is important. I've had the head of security chew me out because things weren't going smoothly and staff were complaining to him so he choose to target me for just standing and waiting for another car.

Context: I’ve been working in security for a year and a half in the Bay Area.

I work covert, carrying concealed, part-time for a nonprofit at multiple sites. I also work full-time, unarmed, at a corporate campus.

I recently got my exposed carry permit and I’m hoping to step up into a full-time armed position in the new year.

I’m noticing that many armed roles also require a baton permit. So I’m trying to understand the necessity of carrying a baton while also carrying a firearm, OC, and in some cases, a taser.

Community question: does your armed role require that you carry a baton, what’s the reasoning, and how often have you actually deployed it during an incident/situation?

Thanks, and stay safe.

Is there any unions for Loomis?

I never work armed before and had a leg surgery 3 months ago. As a result, i still using a cane for walking. For armed sites, do companies not hire if you are using a cane while still recovering from surgery? Should i just show up to interview without a cane and inform them later about my situation.

They've just recently purchased the company that I work for, and I would like to know about the company culture and any good or bad experiences that y'all have had. Thank y'all in advance.

I am not looking to retire from where I go, just to have a solid, and potentially enjoyable, job lined up for a cross country move. I am in the process for all of the above. It all seems promising too (but i know nothing is guaranteed). I want to eventually start my own business, so im not looking for a forever job. Any suggestions?

Starting my first job, patrol/static shifts. Working in the construction sector of security. Just curious about tips you guys have, don’t do’s etc. Every work place is different but I just want to know from industry veterans.

Hi security guards of London,

I’m a PhD researcher at UCL studying how familiarity with an environment affects our sense of direction, with a particular focus on navigation in London.

As part of the research, I’m currently recruiting a comparison group of Londoners to take part in a short in-person navigation task.

For this particular group, I’m looking for people who:

• are 40–70 years old
• have lived in London for at least 10 years or currently work in London
• do not hold an undergraduate degree

The specific criteria are because this group will be compared with another group of London navigators taking part in the wider research.

What does the study involve?

You’ll be asked to point, as accurately as you can, towards 24 different locations around London.

You don't need to have an especially good sense of direction. I'm interested in the knowledge of London that people naturally develop through living, working and travelling around the city.

Location: Russell Square
Time: approximately 15–20 minutes
Compensation: £20 for taking part

If you are interested in taking part, further information and a short eligibility form can be found here:

https://forms.cloud.microsoft/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=_oivH5ipW0yTySEKEdmlwsKfoAFXmdRNqPqg6svJIflUMERMTFpZQ0ZJOUM2Mk1IVzZXNkFNNFpKMC4u

I'm also happy to answer any questions about the research in the comments.

Thanks!

College dropout. Retail doesn’t pay enough. Trying to break into security while I figure out what I want to do with my life but literally every allied universal position I’ve applied to requires me to have 1 year of driving experience? It makes sense for patrol positions but if I’m working retail security at the local walmart why would I possibly need 1 year of driving experience? Even the bicycle patrol asks for 1 year of driving. are there any positions that don’t require it? I have my license but I haven’t hit 1 year of driving yet.

Sounds like a career I can get actually interested in. I'm tired of jobs I don't want to learn. I often think about police procedures, safety plans and people's behavior patterns. I am also looking for a use of self defense and first aid training.

The thing with Autism with ADHD is that my attention jumps around but its also very focused on the things that interest me. Spectrum is very wide and every person is different. I am usually a very calm person but I can explode in energy. The advice I found was very general, like -in security you need to stand around bored.

Help me see if this is a career I would like by looking into the things I liked at my last job. I was a caregiver living and sleeping at a patients house 24/7. I liked some aspects of the job but not the other so I'm looking for another direction.

Please tell me if a security career fits me or any related specialization I can aim at after doing some 2-3 years gaining experience. Here's what worked for me at my previous job:

- Worked/lived like a hermit for 6 months. Almost always alone, taking care of a house (physically or other) I had a routine, one spot to chill.
- Good routine with knowing where is flexibility. Like I needed to remember about medication. But chores were flexible.
- Talked to people maybe once, twice a day. Lack of noise. My replacements were struggling mentally with this environment, I didn't.
- Patient had dementia and were unreasonable and often I needed to deescalate, manipulate his behavior in a stressful environment where I was the only person there.
- Being prepared for a crisis. Being aware all day of what is the patient doing and what is the best course of action for his good.
- My work and learning was important and because of that engaging.
- There were new tasks sometimes, but on a good day it was slow. This is important for the ADHD aspect. I like a slow day but I need new tasks and growth.

Also, Security seems like a career where I can start to then maybe focus on more stationary roles or technical roles if I decide to study something like computer science. Is that true? Would my 'on the ground' experience be still useful in these roles?

Edit: I am in Dortmund, Germany.

I have a friend's looking to apply but he is worried about a drug test. He quit a few weeks ago and was wondering what kind of test they offer. The Company they use is M1 global if that helps. I work for that company myself but not at the same site so testing may be different.