Walt Roberts
President of ASSIST
August 2014
August 5, 2014
Contact: Walt Roberts, 214-766-1801
News Release
AUSTIN—The President of Texas’ largest private security association, Walt Roberts, today said that Texas private security companies could help Texas stop illegal immigration at the Texas border for a fraction of the cost of the National Guard.
Roberts, president of Associated Security Services and Investigators of the State of Texas, (ASSIST), says that his association has submitted testimony today to the Texas House Committee on Homeland Security and Public Safety that as in the case of natural disasters, Texas security services contractors are standing ready to post uniformed security officers all along the border.”
“We can do the job and save tax payers millions upon millions of dollars.” Roberts said. “Licensed Security Officers have the authority to detain individuals that they witness committing a felony or for criminal trespassing. We can pick them up and deliver them directly to any law enforcement officer, just the same as the National Guard.”
Roberts says it is common practice for Federal and State governments to contract with private security companies when they need additional help. “During Hurricane Katrina I took bus loads of armed security officers to New Orleans to help state, local and federal law enforcement. They were very grateful to have our help.”
“We can deploy hundreds of private security officers to the border within hours of receiving the call for help.” Roberts said. “We are trained professionals and can get the job done for a fraction of the cost.”
The Texas Department of Public Safety regulates private security officers in Texas. They must pass state and federal criminal background checks, maintain liability insurance, collect sales tax, receive training and demonstrate proficiency in the laws governing their profession.
