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 PRIVATE SECURITY
BUREAU
Lieutenant Adam Park
DPS Texas Private Security Bureau
I want to first take this opportunity and thank Dave Scepanski and the members of ASSIST for entrusting me to contribute to this article. As a new member of the Private Security Bureau, I look forward to working with and learning from stakeholders in the security profession. I had the unique opportunity to meet some members of ASSIST at my first PSB board meeting last month, and I thank each of them for their advice and information concerning the guard profession.
At this point, I find it appropriate to clear up some confusion concerning the proposed "Five Day" rule.
Several managers have inquired about a change in regulation whereby a qualified manager must provide verification of an original employee license within a five day timeframe. As of this writing, the period remains 14 days until the final adoption of the proposed new rules by the Public Safety Commission. Troopers and supervisors alike will work with the profession, as well as the licensing section at headquarters to facilitate a smooth transition should this regulation become enacted.
The Department of Public Safety is in the process of great change. Within this context, there are several individuals who have moved into key leadership positions. As many of you are aware, RenEarl Bowie was appointed from captain PSB, to interim assistant director of the newly formed Regulatory Licensing Division. Bowie will continue to have a keen interest and indirect oversight in the day-to-day operations of the PSB. I look forward to gaining knowledge from him as he takes on a new role and greater responsibilities with the department.
Let me take a moment to inform the profession of what the PSB is doing to serve Texas and the security profession.
In the northern region (Dallas), the PSB has been highly active enforcing unlicensed guard activity. For instance, during the Texas State Fair an operation was conducted where troopers identified several guard violations in which individuals were working in violation of the Private Security Act.
The eastern region (Houston) continues to monitor guard activity at nightclubs to ensure individuals providing security are in compliance with statutes. Private security personnel in this region are subsequently making efforts to inspect guards who provide security for critical infrastructure facilities.
In the western region (San Antonio), PSB personnel continue to work with federal, state and local officials in efforts to prevent illegal guard activities which may facilitate terrorism along the Texas/Mexico border. It is important to note that combating unlicensed activity remains at the forefront of PSB interests.
At headquarters, we are working to develop a new computer infrastructure that broadens the bureau’s capabilities, and will lessen the burden of producing time sensitive materials.
These are just some examples of what the PSB is currently doing in its role to work with individuals in the security industry and further the objectives of DPS.
Again, thank you for welcoming me into your profession. I look forward to meeting and working with members of ASSIST in the upcoming months.
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