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Let�s Get Personal
History and Origins of ASSIST 1970 - 1980
By Dale Watson,
Lifetime ASSIST member
The thriving organization known today as ASSIST began to evolve in the 1960s. The security industry in the state at the time was in trouble � unethical operators were rampant and the ethical companies wanted to do something about the problem. There was also a shared concern about the future and the professionalism of the industry.
Prior to 1967, there was an association known as ISAT (Investigators and Security Association of Texas). Some of the original members of this group formed the nucleus of ASSIST. Unfortunately, some of the data from the early years has been lost. We do have some names of these early Texas security professionals: Vernon Gilbert, Buddy Hanson, Cliff Bailey, Sonny Sondock, David Pelham, Brownlee, J.P. Jones, Don Marsh. Marvin Herman, Bob and Less Schimmel, Bud Swneey, Dudley Bell and Herb Kelpen.
Because this was a diverse group, including alarm companies, patrol, armored car companies, guard companies as well as investigators, a new name was proposed. Hal Monk of Fort Worth, a law student, and friend of Cliff Bailey, served as laison with various committees in Austin and is given credit for selecting the name ASSIST, Associated Security Services and Investigators of the State of Texas. He also assisted in writing the text for the first state bill that passed the Texas Legislature, creating the Texas Board of Private Detectives.
Buddy Hansen was our first president. Vernon Gilbert served as vice president and Cliff Bailey was the secretary/treasure. Cliff served this position for many years. Bob Hickman of Dallas was Chairman of the legislative committee. He is described as a good politician, a real mover and shaker with a good rapport with Bob Bullock who was the administrative assistant to Governor Preston Smith.
Making ASSIST Happen
Hickman got Senator Ralph Hall from Rockwall to sponsor the bill originally in the Senate. Hall got Representative Carl Parker to sponsor it in the House. The group of industry members (ASSIST) not only helped in writing the proposed legislation, but also successfully lobbied on its behalf. In 1969, Governor Preston Smith signed the legislation into law. Ben Barnes, then Lt. Governor, said of the event, �Never has so much by so few ever been accomplished.� Now, the real work of establishing regulations for governing the industry began.
Hickman had ASSIST name Herb Kelpen as co-chairman of the legislative committee as the duties in the 1971 session were taking a high toll on his business. Halfway through the session he had to stop attending the meetings as he had gone broke. In the few years ahead, the Legislative duties put the financial hurt on several, Herb included. Hickman stayed involved until about 1973. His advice was very valuable to Herb, who was now the legislative chairman. Hickman started assisting Ralph Hall on his run for the U.S. Congress and he won. That same year Carl Parker ran for the Texas Senate and won. Because of his sponsorship from the beginning, Carl Parker became known as the Father of the security industry�s legislation. Senator Parker carried all of ASSIST�s legislation until 1993. Hickman operated a one-man investigation office until the 1980�s, at which time he died of cancer. It is a shame that he has never received the recognition he deserves for his work in the security industry for our state.
Struggling for Safety and Respect
In 1973, guns were taken off security officers when state law prohibited sheriffs and constables from issuing �special officer� commissions. Many police agencies were giving �selective� enforcement. Dallas and Fort Worth ASSIST members had monthly meetings to address their police problems. At this time, the state ASSIST organization formed local chapters. Dallas and Fort Worth became known as the North Texas Chapter. Houston followed, then San Antonio. Benny Robinson organized the San Antonio members. At last a South Texas chapter was formed.
Later, in 1973, ASSIST got a bill passed to allow security officers to carry guns but it was vetoed by the governor because of pressure from Burns & Pinkerton. Being the �BIG BOYS� in the industry, they carried a lot of clout. They weren�t involved with ASSIST, didn�t want to arm their guards, and didn�t want their small competitors to have any advantage. Later on Burns, (Earl Wade, Regional VP) and Pinkerton, (Jim Priest, Regional VP) came on board with ASSIST and were great contributors in both money and advice. In 1975 the gun bill again passed and was signed by Governor Briscoe. On November 6, 1975, Herb Kelpen received the first Security Officer Commission issued by the State: #00001.
The state agencies first executive director was Mrs. Cowan who operated with only a one part-time employee. The flood from the industry apparently overwhelmed them. Tom Brown was hired to replace her as executive director.
Tom believed in having the industry policed by ex-DPS officers on his staff. It became widely held that Brown and his staff considered security company owners and security officers as sub-standard citizens. ASSIST called for all licensees to attend a board meeting in Austin to complain. Three hundred company owners showed up, wanting to be heard. After our committee testified, the Board fired Brown and several of his staff. That day ASSIST gained many new members.
Wayne Whatley who had a military background replaced Brown. Many felt he knew nothing about security and was being ill advised by some staff members who also had no knowledge about security or the needs of the security industry. In the midst of another uprising by the industry regarding the director, Herb Kelpen was appointed by Govneror Dolph Brisco to serve on the Texas Board. At the first board meeting he informed the other members of the industry�s concerns. Herb then moved to terminate Whatley�s employment. He was fired that same day.
Clema Sanders was made acting director and was later hired to the position in which she served for 16 years.
To be continued�
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