Unlicensed, Untrained, and Out of Control

!!!!!UPDATE!!!!!: I've learned a few hours ago that National Security's owner, George Davis, was arrested by the Bernalillo County Sheriff's Department last night for False Representation under the Private Investigators Act. I was told by a BCSO spokesperson Davis was arrested for operating unlicensed. Davis' company was mentioned in my report on Tuesday when I revealed his company is unlicensed and hiring armed guards without background checks. See picture above.





On Tuesday my report on illegal security guard companies hit the New Mexico airwaves. It's a story that lead to the arrest of one of the security guards I profiled.

In the report, I highlighted the fact there are security guard companies running around unlicensed and unchecked by the state. This means all of the employees these illegal companies hire are not subject to criminal background checks or training, required by state law.

Turns out I found one of these illegal security guards working while armed with a gun. More surprising, this guard, named Brad Simmerman (pictured below) is on probation and shouldn't have any weapons.



As a result of my undercover video revealing Simmerman violating the law, he was arrested after we alerted Probation. Officers found steroids and unprescribed painkillers in his home, along with a bullet and other weapons.

Simmerman is an example of how the state's Regulation and Licensing Department can't or won't control unlicensed companies in New Mexico. This is a serious concern, considering armed guards, who are required by law to be trained and checked-out, are walking among us at malls, banks, and convenience stores.

It was easy for us to find at least eight companies operating illegally, under the radar in Albuquerque.

Here are the following companies:

American Security
JABS Security
ESI Investigations and Associates
High Way Prevention Control
V Team LLC
Rapid Response Security Agency
SSS Enterprises/Solid Steel Security
National Security

There are far more companies state wide operating unlicensed, according to Robb Hamic of Summit Security. He told me he lost contracts to some illegal companies that charge less because they are not paying the proper fees to be legit companies. This is extremely unfair for business owners in New Mexico who pay their share to obey the rules.

For the past several months, Hamic has highlighted shocking and disturbing issues within New Mexico's security industry on his New Mexico Security Blog. I suggest you read it. He can cover much more about the industry than I can. Everything Hamic has told me about unlicensed companies I was able to independently verify.

Unlicensed activity in the state is unacceptable, especially activity that concerns public safety. It's my opinion the state needs to send a clear message to these illegal companies by fining them and putting them out of business. Getting them into compliance is not enough. These companies know they are operating without state certification. Their disrespect for the law is egregious and a blatant disregard for public safety. Rewarding companies for illegal behavior is unacceptable.

I was told by the Regulation and Licensing department they will start shifting around resources to focus on these companies. We'll see what happens....if anything.

For now, people wishing to become legit security guards can get certified through UNM's Continuing Education program.
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