New safety rules regulating security guards operating in Emporia were approved by the Emporia City Commission this afternoon.
All security guard uniforms must be approved by the chief of police to prevent confusion with Emporia police officers. Also guards must be able to provide photo identification and pass a firearm proficiency tests.
“Most cities and police department recognize that they have a role to play in assisting the public with identifying who is a police officer and who is a private security officer working in the city limits,” said Blaise Plummer, city attorney.
The commission unanimously approved changes to an existing city ordinance concerning private security. The change was asked for by security companies. There are eight licensed security companies and 55 total licensed security guards in Emporia.
Currently security guards don’t have to carry photo identification. They also didn’t have to prove they could safely shoot a gun.
When the new license goes into effect next year guards will have to pass a proficiency course approved by the chief of police. Also any time a guard fires a gun, they will have to report it to the chief of police.
For the complete story, pick up a copy of Thursday's Emporia Gazette.
knute (anonymous) says...
55 guards and I've seen only one with a sidearm. Where are the other 54 that seem to be the major problem here? As much as I detest the gazette for putting only a smidgen of the story online, the published edition FROM LAST WEEK does go into more detail and is indicative of how much the city wants to control the private sector.
September 1, 2010 at 10:48 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )