From the Office of Governor Robert Bentley
MONTGOMERY—The president of the Alabama Security Guard Association says a recent veto by Governor Bentley to allow volunteers provide security in schools in Franklin County is the right move.
Tyron Works, president of the ASGA, said while well-intentioned, such a move could have put even more lives at risk and strongly urges the use of trained experts, “Obviously, we feel our professionals should be considered as the primary method of ensuring the safety of school children and workers here in Alabama,” Works said
The measure, HB 53, was sponsored by Rep. Johnny Mac Morrow of Red Bay. Normally local bills pass quickly through the legislature without much discussion. However, Gov. Bentley did not feel the bill addressed training issues in depth.
“It really makes sense to employ licensed and trained private guards, many of whom have a military or law enforcement background, than to risk the security of school children on lesser qualified staff,” Works added.
There are more than 4,000 private security guards in Alabama, according to the Alabama Security Board of Regulation, the licensing agency in the state. The law regulating the industry was passed in the 2009 Legislative session.
The issue of school safety has garnered the attention of state legislators following the recent school shootings in Newtown, Conn., and lawmakers have been mulling the best method to enhance security.
The ASGA’s mission is to protect and promote the security guard industry and to provide a voice for those who make a living in the private security field. ASGA is actively recruiting both company and individual level members engaged in providing private security.
