Virtually anybody can get a police permit to start a security guard agency. I can say this because I have several years experince as a federal protective officer AND as a part-time rent-a-cop. With very few exceptions, the rent-a-cops are given very little training put out on post without the foggiest idea of what they should be protecting. Because of the low wage scales, many of the rent-a-cops are part-timers who are moonlighting from their day job. As a result, sleeping on the job is considered a right for them.
As for courtesy to the public and the building employees. FORGET IT! Checking security badges or putting people through the metal detectors is rarely enforced. If the building employee ks known to the guard, they can walk past the metal detectors.
Even the rent-a-cop in the WTTG studios is poorly trained. I came to the TV station with a hot news story that I wanted to discuss with a reporter. The guard turned me away, and another TV outlet picked up and ran with the story. Remember the big GSA Scandal a few years back? Common courtesy would require the rent-a-cop in the WTTG lobby to call the news department so they could send out a reporter to talk with me. Then, the reporter could sign me in, and we could go to his office to discuss how to break the story.
Other major news stories have been lost due to the WTTG security guard turning away people with news tips.
In many government buildings, the metal detectors are not working, and are checked maybe once a year. For example, the Labor Department spent millions of our tax dollars on the metal detectors, hand-held wands and other security equipment. After the first year, this equipment was removed because too many people could bypass the security hardware, or enter the building through a door that did not have the security equipment in place. Unless Homeland Security has ordered the metal detectors put back in place, the DOL employees and visitors can enter the Frances Perkins building without passing through the security checkpoints.
I feel that WTTG is turning a deaf ear to news tips that originate outside the Beltway. About the only time a reporter comes to Manasssas is for a big case, such as woman cutting off her husband's sex organs.
I was struck and almost killed by a speeding car near my home. I have learned that the only time when VDOT will make improvements to pedestrian safety is when two of my neighbors are killed by the hit and run drivers.
Since I am maimed for life, I can no longer drive safely, so I depend on the shuttle bus to take me and about 300 handicapped and elderly residents to the Manassas Senior Center and home again. Now, the Prince William County Supervisors want to balance the county budget on our backs, by eliminating the bus service.
This is a blatant violation of the Americans With Disability Act, and other federal, state and local laws regarding equal access of public facilities to everyone, including the elderly and handicapped citizens, votes and taxpayers.
I realize that times are tough, but any attempt to deny me and the other elderly and handcapped county residents our rights in direct violation of the law is TYRANNY!
