In 2001, four Detroit residents died as a result of violent scuffles with security guards.
And Sen. Gary Peters, D-Bloomfield, said these deaths could have been prevented by proper training.
Peters sponsored a bill recently introduced in the state Senate which will toughen the training requirements for security guards.
The bill would create a committee to forge minimum standards for security guards, adding to requirements that guards be at least 18 years old with no recent felonies.
Peters said the standards are far too lax and are dangerous for everyone involved.
“If you’re at a situation and don’t have adequate training, the security guard may be hurt as well,” Peters said. “Also, after Sept. 11, there’s a need for heightened security. Security guards are often in the front line of defense and there’s a need for a professional level of training.”
Peters said he thinks the bill will pass without much objection.
“Most states around the country have standards,” he said. “We’re playing a catch-up game.”
But Andrew Shaffer, manager of F&M Protection and Private Investigations in Lansing, said the bill could create unnecessary expenses. “I think it’s a good thing to have some type of minimum, but it’s tough to draw the line and see what that minimum would be,” Shaffer said. “Let’s say I hired a retired police officer - how much training should they go through? Should they go through the same amount of training as someone who has worked at McDonald’s?”
Shaffer said the committee the bill creates could enforce a mandatory minimum number of hours spent training each guard - which could be costly to the company.
“I think you’ll run into a problem where a lot of companies won’t do it,” Shaffer said. “And there aren’t enough police officers to even keep track of the companies and what they do now.”
He said the concept of the bill is a good idea, though.
“I feel comfortable with our staff and the training we provide,” he said. “But I know there are companies that don’t do anything at all.”
East Lansing police Sgt. Florene McGlothian-Taylor coordinates the MSU Greencoats, which provide security for MSU, ranging from concerts to athletic events. Though the Greencoats are not under the same laws as professional security guards, they undergo an intense weeklong training session before they begin work.
Taylor said although the Greencoats do not carry weapons, extensive training is important for everyone in this situation.
“I think the bill is a good idea,” Taylor said. “It would make the public safe and the employee as well.”
MSU Greencoats employee Jessica Showers said the bill would only be a positive change.
“Off the cuff, it’s better to be safe than sorry,” the criminal justice junior said.
“I know some outside security agencies that may not act in their best judgment, and this protects people on both sides.”
