ON THE FRONT LINES
With more than 1,800 security professionals nationwide and operations in 17 states, USProtect places its armed security professionals at access control points at select U.S./Mexico border locations and at key military installations and federal buildings.
USProtect security professionals prepare with up to 120 hours of training, including basic first aid, CPR, conflict resolution, physical fitness testing, drug testing, gun card certification and a comprehensive background check. The training regimen includes the use of proprietary training tools, examinations, evaluations and training media. The training is designed to place potential armed personnel into the real-world environments that will become part of their daily routine. The security professionals are also equipped to work with emergency response teams, fire and medical personnel, police, utility representatives, environmental/health officials, emergency communications channels and public safety officials.
CEO Bradley Feldmann says 99 out of 100 trainees pass a government test that includes a written exam and a firing range test before becoming a guard. An external company also performs extensive background checks on each employee. USProtect mans 555 access control and security posts throughout the United States. “Last year we provided more than three million hours of security services,” Feldman says.
The U.S./Mexico border currently accommodates approximately 292 million crossings per year. Due to concern regarding illegal immigration and the use of Minuteman volunteers to patrol the borders, the U.S. Government has asked USProtect to support border security efforts. The company has armed guards at the world’s largest port-of-entry, San Ysidro, Calif. Feldmann says 70,000 to 100,000 people pass through the area each day.
In the last year, USProtect — in support of U.S. border security and immigration agencies — collected approximately 600 weapons and contraband and supported the U.S. agency’s detention of about 2,000 illegal or wanted individuals. “I think we could do more to protect the border,” Feldmann says. “We will continue to compete for contracts.”
USProtect also provides security services at 18 air force bases across the United States, including Edwards AFB in California, Lackland AFB in Texas, Elmendorf AFB in Alaska and Moody AFB in Georgia.
USProtect established emergency force protection operations at 15 sites and provided 24-hour coverage at all posts that were responding to victims and supporting first responders within the San Diego area. Whether armed or unarmed, the officers provide services, including: protection of personnel, resources, and facilities; fixed security posts and mobile patrols; access control and entry/exit inspections; incident response and reporting; X-ray, magnetometer, and wand device operation; and control center and closed circuit television operation.
Technology is an ever-present factor in the management and deployment of guard protection and border security. USProtect uses an IT system by Valiant, Woodbury, N.Y., to keep track of guard schedules, activities and assignments. The guards can sign in online, biometrically with a fingerprint or by telephone.
The system contacts the site supervisor within five minutes should the officer not check in, so that a substitute guard may be contacted. The system also ensures that all security professionals possess and maintain the required credential, and the system alerts USProtect 90 days prior to expiration when a credential needs to be updated.
“It makes a difference in capability in ensuring where people are supposed to be and when they are supposed to be there,” says Dannie Simms, USProtect program manager and training coordinator.
USProtect installed and integrated the system in 2003. The technology has enabled USProtect to have greater command and control over its guard force, to introduce new efficiencies and to contribute to a decline in overtime. In 2004, the company delivered 99.6 percent hours to all posts.
