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Walkin� the
halls By Walt Roberts
ASSIST Executive Vice President The session is here and we are on it. On Feb. 27, the Security Professionals converged on Austin to sell our improvements to the legislature. To prepare for this, on Dec. 15, 2006, we were included in a great meeting hosted by DPS. With Michael Kelly presiding we had a great turnout and a very productive discussion group. In attendance were Michael Kelly, Valerie Fulmer, Cliff Grumbles, Ren Earl Bowie from the DPS Private Security Bureau; George Craig, Mike Samulin and John Chism as sitting board members from the Private Security Bureau; Karen Hewit, Randy Kildow representing Texas Association of Licensed Investigators; Roy Yetter, John Arnold, Billy Garret, Scott Cook, and Jim Waren representing Texas Association of Locksmiths; Chip Bird, Rodney Hooker, Rex Adams and Dean McWilliams representing the Texas Burglar and Fire Alarm Association; Dave Parker and Walt Roberts representing ASSIST and Keith Oakley representing both TALI and ASSIST. Now you got the players, let�s talk about the game!
First let me state some facts. I know that many have complained about DPS checking licensee�s and getting what is generally considered as low hanging fruit but if you not in compliance, you not in compliance! I�ve been hit and ticketed, so that�s out of the way. One of the best moves the Legislature has made is to place us under DPS. It provides our profession with creditability and you are about to see how important that�s going to be in the Legislative Session. Additionally, like this past legislative meeting, they are working with us on many levels and that�s definitely a change for the best. Next you should know about your Legislative Team working for you! They include: Dave Parker, Dave Scepanski, Dan Flores, Bob Burt, Dan Walker, Alan Trevino, Keith Oakley and myself. Additionally, I can�t tell you, the members, that have said if you need me to call. Thanks to all of you. We are going after some of the old and some new.
1. Security officers carrying their weapon in gas stations, restaurants, coffee houses and other establishments. We will address this by taking the word directly out of 1702 and have legislative intent read into the record.
2. The security department of a private business must maintain the criminal history of individuals performing the duties as described in 1702. These records must be made available to DPS Private Security Bureau investigators upon request.
3. Arrest for criminal Trespass same as a breach of the peace.
4. Alarm Companies must notify the police of all alarm customers.
In addition, we are also going in front of the Texas Insurance Board to request a classification change for our profession and we are asking the DPS Private Security to entertain changing the requirements for license manager exams. This Legislative Day for Security was successful
-- see you there next time.
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