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North Region holds first Law Enforcement and Security Symposium
2006
The North Texas Region was privileged to hold the first Law Enforcement and Security Symposium Aug. 23 at the Hilton Anatole in Dallas. This exciting event was able to draw together more than 125 participants from law enforcement and security. Represented at the event were members of the Hotel/Motel Security Network, Dallas Police Department, Leaps, ASIS, The Private Security Bureau and our own ASSIST members.
Left To right: Dallas Deputy Chief Brian Harvey, North Texas Region President Kathy McReynolds, Executive Vice President ASSIST Walt Roberts, Past President ASSIST Dave Scepanski, and Captain Manager Texas Private Security Bureau Cliff Grumbles.
Keith Oakley, our ASSIST lobbyist, was the host for the event and along the way interjected his wit as well as the importance of the participants to work together and how the true winners would be the members of the community. Keith pointed out that the increased presence of security patrols and Verified Alarm Response can only benefit the community due to the increased uniform presence on the streets of the city.
Kathy McReynolds, the North Texas Region President of ASSIST, noted that this could only be �a win-win for the community.�
Corporal Allen, the newly appointed DPD Liaison Officer to ASSIST, feels that the potential interaction between the Professional Licensed Security Officers of Texas is tremendous. He also stated the department �hoped this new partnership becomes a role model for other cities in Texas.� Allen feels the sheer number of security officers on the streets acting as an informational resource will increase the effectiveness of the police department.
Symposium attendees listen to a speaker at the Hilton Anatole
in Dallas.
Guest speakers spoke on topics that present a new dimension to what can be accomplished by this improved partnership. Dep. Chief Brian Harvey of the Dallas Police Department spoke on new leaps training programs and the initiative to move the program from police headquarters to local districts as well as presenting at private venues in Dallas. He identified that this would develop the partnership not just on the command levels but on the district level as well.
Officer Chad Smith of the DPD Records Bureau presented two valuable new tools for security. The first allows security professionals to access police reports on line to better follow-up on events security may be involved in. The second allows access to daily updated crime statistics, by address, neighborhood, beat, and district, allowing us to better monitor crime trends and protect our clients from a more informed perspective rather that responding after incidents occur.
Capt. Cliff Grumbles of the Texas DPS Private Security Bureau addressed the need for cooperation between the two groups to eliminate the illegal and unprofessional security officers to improve the image and perception of security by the public. Grumbles feels that law enforcement needs to understand that the �problem security officers� they encounter may be illegal, unlicensed, or in violation of state law and do not reflect the true professionals of security.
Walt Roberts and Mike McGregor presented a new pocket-sized information guide on security for law enforcement. The card lists various licensing rules for security by category from noncommissioned through personal protection officer (bodyguard) and includes private investigators.
Grumbles had remarked to Walt Roberts that law enforcement really did not understand security and licensing, and that led to many issues that impacted the relationship. This guide was created to help law enforcement when dealing with security. Law enforcement officials present at the meeting were extremely pleased with the card and requested enough for every officer in their department. The region is currently arranging to have 40,000 cards printed. These cards will be distributed to law enforcement officers throughout Texas by Grumbles and his troopers as well as ASSIST in the larger cities.
Walt Robert commends security professionals
and law enforcement agencies for
working together.
Past President of ASSIST Dave Scepanski flew in from El Paso for the event due to the importance of the issues and to support the North Texas Chapter�s efforts. Plans are being made to make this a regular event between law enforcement and security. Special thanks go to the Hilton Anatole and their staff for providing a magnificent venue that contributed to the enjoyment of the event.
In other news, after a fantastic convention in March, the North Texas Region elections resulted in Kathy McReynolds being elected President, Bob Kenney, Vice-President, Mark Smith, Treasurer, and Mike McGregor, Secretary.
Monthly meetings are held on the third Wednesday of the month at Paul�s Porterhouse on Composite Drive in Dallas. Meetings alternate between CE classes and regular business meetings and everyone is always welcome.
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