New Mexico Security Blog by Rob Hamic

Licensed Santa Fe Security Guard kills girl and her baby..

July 8, 2009-  Santa Fe, NM--     Corey Pein and the Santa Fe Reporter did a good job in telling this horrible story of a predictable event that shocked New Mexico.

Read the full story: CLICK HERE

Detective Trujillo thinks it happened like this.

It was a Friday night, May 22. Reno—in uniform, with Mace and pistol—was beginning the graveyard shift. 

He and Sarah were arguing over the phone again. In her room, Julie Lovato could hear them through the walls.

Minutes after getting off the phone, Sarah went to Julie’s bedroom. Soon the sisters heard Reno barge in. They heard Bennie Sr. yell, “You just don’t walk in here like that!”
Reno refused to leave. Julie followed Sarah into the hall. 

“What the hell,” Reno shouted, “What are you going to do about it?”

Julie fled to her brother’s place nearby, hoping he could help. Running down the stairs, she heard Sarah’s voice for the last time: “Please Reno, no.”

Then she heard a shot. Moments later, more shots. People were finally calling 911. Bennie Jr., who once pulled a knife on his family, grabbed a baseball bat and ran to save his father and sister.

Reno was gone. The room smelled of Mace. Bennie Sr. lay dead in the living room, pregnant Sarah lay dead in the kitchen. 

“We think the fetus was targeted specifically,” Trujillo says.

She was 17, he was 36 weeks in the womb.  

The Atlanta Georgia security industry has problems with unlicensed activity.

June 7, 2009-  Atlanta, GA--     Apparently the security industry in Atlanta has some of the same problems that exist in New Mexico and other states.  Read this e-mail I received from a concerned reader..

Robert,

 I commend you on your efforts to bring unlicensed practice to the forefront.  This is a growing epidemic and needs to stop.  We have the same issues hear in Atlanta.  Not only with security guard companies but with private detective agencies as well.  The real issue is that unlicensed practice in our industry is a misdemeanor and should be treated as a felony.  We should be no different than any other licensed professional practicing without a license. If a doctor who writes a prescription for drugs is unlicensed, that person will go up on criminal felony charges.  Those security companies that are unlicensed create the same danger to the public by using untrained security officers.  

 

I too have reported unlicensed practice to our governing board (Georgia Board of Private Detectives and Security Agencies), only to put a stop to this detriment to our profession and industry.  And as you stated, nothing happens or the company gets fine and is given time to correct the issue. I’m shame to say this unprofessional behavior will continue until government decides to change the punishment making unlicensed practice a felony and deem it as a harmful to the public at large.

 

Again I commend you and your efforts!

 

Eric D. Echols, CFI

President / CEO

State of GA License # PDSG043727 & CFTR000992

 

The LPS Group, Inc.

1050 East Piedmont Rd.

Suite E - 134

Marietta, GA 30062

770.579.0188 ex.111

770.579.0288 fax

eric@lpsgroup.net

www.lpsgroup.net

Albuquerque 'guard abuse'

June 7, 2009-  Albuquerque, NM-  I have heard about too much bad treatment to list in this blog post from security companies to their guards.  We all know of the employees that missed out on 4-6 paychecks and were unpaid by Legit Security.  I have always told people to go to the Department of Labor and make wage claims but there are still many other abuses going on in the Albuquerque Security industry by companies.

Many companies have strange practices of withholding monies from guards, especially upon termination.  By law, any deductions have to be agreed upon in writing between the employer and employee.  I got this e-mail from an Albuquerque Guard and I wanted to post it because I think this type of thing happens all the time.  It is sad and not something that you would expect from a 'big security company.'  It sounds unethical to me.

I don't know if you will read this or even care but I just wanted to state something on your blog but didn't know how or to what degree. I don't know if you have heard this or even care but I do have to vent about it and was hoping this is the person to do it to. Valley protection sucks. They are f...ed up.. I was an employee of there's for some time and got fired over b.s. and i am not even mad about that. 

What I am mad about is the fact that they initially charged me $75 dollars for initial training plus the $44.95 for the (guard card<-not mad at the part) and then now that they have fired me, they paid me 88 hours at minimum wage of $6.50 hr for my last check and then deducted another $150 dollars <-for the initial training and for not completing my probationary period.   I know I don't have any grounds to fight them because they have you sign a form in their new employee handbook before you even start. thank you for your time even though I know I messed up. Keep up the good work love reading your blog.

• $225 deductions for 'training'
  
• $44.95 for guard card (who knows if he will even get it
  
• Reduced wage payment                                                                                                                                  

Summit Security & Investigation is always hiring Albuquerque's best guards.  We provide training, full benefits, full schedules, advancement and stability.  We are currently looking for new clients and provide marketing bonuses for guards or others who help us get new security accounts.   

E-mail me with any potential marketing information - robb@callsummit.com.  

Apply in person at 2825 E Broadbent Parkway NE or online at http://www.callsummit.com.

  

Is your concealed carry license-CCW or Level 3 certificate just a piece of paper?

July 6, 2009- Too many people go through the minimum amount of training that it takes in most states to get their concealed carry permit but receive no further training. Most people have not been exposed to violent, stressful situations where they have had to respond in self defense. I personally think more people should carry guns but I think we could all use more training.

Muscle memory is a vital component in doing anything on a competent 'unconscious' or conscious' level. Muscle memory occurs somewhere around 2000 repetitions, good (proper) or bad. In stress, we all revert to our lowest level of training.. Will your training be enough?

All kinds of people are involved in deadly force situations these days. Women, men, police officers, corrections officers, security guards or military personnel. Some violent situations are very clear cut such as attacks, home invasions or being in the wrong place at the right time. Different situations call for active thinking and proper response in less than a second. I will ask again.. Is your training enough to get you through an attack on your life?

If not, see me or one of my instructors.. We do seminars Nationwide for law enforcement, military and large groups. If interested contact a school directly or me on my cellular phone: 512-284-0087.

Austin School
2900 N. Quinlan Park Rd
Suite 131- B-240
Austin, Texas 78732
512-284-0087 (mobile)

Albuquerque School
2825 E Broadbent Parkway NE
Albuquerque, New Mexico 87107
505-463-7820 (mobile)

San Francisco / Bay Area School
1460 E. Cotati Ave.
Rohnert Park, California 94928
707-477-4899 (mobile)

Rob Hamic: "Imminent Jeopardy is the standard for justifiable use of deadly force."

Rob Hamic is a use of force instructor, certified law enforcement trainer, self defense instructor and expert witness in use of force situations. He has survived many violent use of force encounters and attacks. He explains 'imminent jeopardy' and your justification in using deadly force in situations.

"Imminent eopardy is can be unique to your specific situation, a “reasonable and prudent” person would have believed himself to be in immediate danger. Jeopardy distinguishes between a potentially dangerous situation and one that is actually dangerous as interpreted by the reasonable person standard," says Rob Hamic.

If you’re going to carry a weapon first get trained in its use. You also need to know the legal ramifications of its use. If you carry a gun, there are good tactics and handling courses you can take that will also address legal issues. Specific training and further information can be found as well concerning knives and non-lethal tools like pepper spray, though as in all research, make sure your source is credible. When in doubt, the laws themselves are the surest source.

Do what you can to avoid potential altercations altogether. Stay away from places where your safety is not assured . Stay in groups of people whom you can count on to be on your side. Do not appear weak or vulnerable, and do not behave in ways that make attacking you easy.

If a dangerous situation threatens, do what you can to defuse it. Pursue all available avenues of speech or interaction that do not lead to violence. Do this even if it seems futile; at the very least, you will establish for any witnesses that you did not want this fight.If violence seems imminent, leave.

If leaving a bar, restaurant, or other venue, do not return anytime soon. If you are unable to avoid or escape a violent encounter, and you are either certain that you are about to be attacked or have already been attacked, respond immediately and without hesitation with the amount of force necessary . This does not mean to start fighting; your assailant’s actions may be designed to harm you, but yours should be designed only to restore your safety.

Once the immediate danger is over, stop the use of force. If your assailant used a weapon, secure it, if it is safe to do so. Move at once to a place of safety. Do not stay in the area even if your assailant is incapacitated. If possible, do take note of any potential witnesses. If you have a weapon, put it away. As soon as safely possible, call the police. Try to give only the necessary information. Call your attorney and stop talking..

Rob Hamic

Summit Self Defense

robb@summitselfdefense.com

http://www.summitselfdefense.com

http://www.israelicombatshooting.com

10 security officers have been murdered in the US During June.

June 29, 2009-  Atlanta, GA--    

 JUNE 29 2009

 

It is with sad heartfelt regret that we alert you today with another death of a private security officer.

This death marks a milestone that we did not want to reach.

As of today, 10 security officers have been killed during the month of June, all but 2 were shot to death.

This is the most security officer deaths on the job in any month since we began tracking them in 2004.

Our prayers and thoughts are with the families of all who died protecting and serving.

Rick McCann

Executive Director

PRIVATE OFFICER

INTERNATIONAL

 

ATLANTA GA - Atlanta Police are investigating the early Monday morning shooting death of a security guard at the 'Gold Spa' located at 1916 Piedmont Road .

Around 1:15 am, the unidentified guard was asked to investigate a suspicious person in the rear parking lot of the spa, authorities say. Then employees inside heard as many as seven gun shots. When they investigated, they found the guard lying in the parking lot, shot in the chest. He was rushed to Grady Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Police say that they are reportedly looking at a person of interest.

No other information is available. 

 

(This is the 10th security officer killed in June. The most in any one month since we started tracking deaths in 2004)

 

Read  More or Other Headlines; www.privateofficernews.wordpress.com

KRQE Channel 13 News Interview of Rob Hamic in reference to the MS13 killing in Albuquerque

June 23, 2009- Albuquerque, NM--     Reporter Dave Bohman continues to report  the MS13 killing of the Denny's employee in Albuquerque.  This crime was committed when four armed gang members entered a Westside Albuquerque Denny's restaurant while it was filled with customers.  Police are saying that the MS13 gang isn't organized in Albuquerque.  At least three of the four suspects are from the gang's native country of El Salvador.  I am assuming that they are here illegally.  The MS13 gang is known for drug trafficking, smuggling and human trafficking in the Rio Grande Corridor.  This gang's population in North America is rising at alarming rates.

CLICK HERE to watch the first news story.

CLICK HERE for self defense, CCW (concealed weapon's and handgun deployment training)

Santa Fe Guard killed

JUNE 23 2009

 

Santa FE NM

A Brink’s armored car security officer was killed on Monday at around 5pm after being involved in a traffic accident with a truck.

Police say that the armored truck blew a tire and struck another truck and then rolled over onto some train tracks. The driver of the vehicles were injured but the security officer in the rear compartment of the vehicle died from multiple injuries and trauma from the wreck.

The name of the security officer killed has not been released yet.

 

Read  More or Other Headlines; www.privateofficernews.wordpress.com

MS13 gang members are responsible for another daylight killing in Albuquerque at a Denny's Restaurant

June 22, 2009- Albuquerque, NM-- Albuquerque's skyrocketing crime rate hits the news again with yesterday's gang killing of an employee of a Denny's restaurant. Apparently four gunmen came into the local eatery in broad daylight and demanded cash, terrorizing employees and guests. A female employee was killed.

I was interviewed by the TV news today and I will post the interview on this blog tomorrow. This disturbing trend is likely to rise with the worsening economy and increasing drug problems in Albuquerque. The murderers were members of the MS13 gang, which was founded in the 1980's by El Salvadorian immigrants in Los Angeles's 13th Street. Thus the name. This gang is growing rapidly within the United States, Mexico and central America.

The FBI estimates that the gang has at least 200 cells in the United States with the largest in Washington DC. Law Enforcement estimates that there are 5000-6000 MS13 gang members in DC alone. Violence follows this gang and its members are especially ruthless and usually have outnumber and out gun their advisories. MS13 has 36,000 gang members in El Salvador and it is important to consider that this is a paramilitary force and its members receive these types of training. These criminals are not rookies who are out stealing cars and spray painting on walls. They are often armed with AK47 machine guns and sometimes wear ballistic vests.

In Charlotte North Carolina, MS 13 was responsible for 11 murders in 2000 alone! The gang specializes in drug trafficking, human trafficking along the rio grand corridor and other smuggling activities. Their members often enter the gang at the early age of 12.

Read more about the Albuquerque Denny's killing/ day light robbery..

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Police on Sunday were searching for at least two more suspects they believe killed a teenage worker during a robbery at a packed Denny's and committed 10 more armed robberies in Albuquerque this past year.

Two suspects were arrested within minutes of the crime Saturday on suspicion of murder, kidnapping, robbery and child abuse because there were at least five children in the restaurant, Albuquerque Police Officer Nadine Hamby said.

Hamby said the men who were arrested are in their late 20s to early 30s and are from South America, but she did not know where specifically. She said police were working with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to verify the men's identities.

Hamby said at least four masked men with rifles and handguns rushed into the northwest Albuquerque Denny's around 9:30 a.m. Saturday and demanded money.

A teenage female employee was fatally shot during the robbery. Police have not yet identified her.
One restaurant employee told police a manager was forced to open the cash register and the robbers took an undetermined amount of cash.

Hamby said police believe the men committed 10 similar robberies in the Albuquerque area in the past year, but no one was shot in those incidents. She would not provide further details.
She said about 35 detectives, who were in the area as part of a special operation targeting robberies, responded to the restaurant and found two of the suspects quickly.

Hamby said police were trying to help the roughly 100 people who were in the restaurant at the time get any emotional or psychological help they may need. They've been through a traumatic experience," she said.

Witnesses described the scene inside the restaurant as chaotic, with people getting down on the floor when they heard a bang. "Four masked men came in with guns," customer Brian Thompson told KRQE News in Albuquerque. "Two went toward the back. That's all we could see because we all hit the ground."

What should people do? The news reporter asked me if people should be concerned, particularly since this killing was done in daylight in a nice area of town. yes people should be concerned. People need to be able to protect themselves and not rely on police protection that may be a long way off, judges that approve plea deals and early releases and politicians who are reactive to this problem. Protect yourself because you are the only one that can.

Summit Self Defense

Offices in Albuquerque, Austin, San Francisco

Training for individuals, law enforcement or military- locally, nationally or internationally

http://www.summitselfdefense.com

http://www.israelicombatshooting.com

Contact us for hand to hand training, gun, taser, CCW, CHL licensing or home defense training.

I wish the restaurant was filled with people who had taken my ICS gun deployment class.

Nick Panagolakos continues to operate without being properly state licensed..

June 22, 2009-  Albuquerque, NM-     Nick Panagolakos continues to operate in Albuquerque without the proper state license.  I verified this directly with the PI Board Administrator on Friday, despite the claims of the "Chief's" ex-wife that the business was operating legally.. Big Surprise.  She finally stopped blowing up my company phones once I forwarded the e-mail response by RLD stating that the company wasn't licensed.  LOL.

Nick Panagolakos and "Deputy Chief" Scott Rodgers have teamed up to provide security in Albuquerque.  They state that they are "Private Law Enforcement."  Hmmm..  You may see them patrolling the streets in a green Lincoln car with no markings.  I hear that one of this company's employees carries multiple guns, knives and even swords.  I didn't know a sword was security tool. 

The business cards say "Licensed, bonded, insured."  I have sent this and much more information to the state for investigation.

Questions can be directed to Nick (505-506-7072) or Scott (967-2127.

Licensing complaints can be made directly to the state of NM- RLD.. CLICK HERE.