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Articles
& Press Releases
(Click on a title below
to read the full article)
Cell phones in prisons mean business as usual for convicted criminals
(By Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison) – Imprisoned convicts coordinate murders, plot extortion schemes, and run drug trafficking, credit card fraud and identity theft enterprises. These dangerous operations are increasingly facilitated by contraband cell phones smuggled to inmates.
The alarming threat of contraband in Texas prisons
(By TX Sen. John Whitmire) – We must insist that the Texas prison system do everything in its power to stop all contraband including drugs, cell phones and weapons from entering our prisons. The citizens of Texas deserve and demand it.
The 82nd session has already begun
(By Rep. Joe Moody) – If there is an issue out there that you would like to see addressed in the upcoming session, please remember to contact your state representative or state senator soon.
Private Security Bureau update
(By Capt. RenEarl Bowie) – In order to ensure that the citizens of Texas are protected, the bureau continues to work with the PSB, ASSIST and other industry professionals to improve the service of the bureau.
Private Security Bureau update
(By Lt. Adam Park) – 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.
Knowledge is the key to your company
(By Amy Lister-Neal) – Why would you need to register your employee that is providing a regulated security function? The easy answer is because the State of Texas says so, but the underlying reason is for the benefit of your company and client.
Developments in disability discrimination law affect employers, applicants and employees
(By Mike Fetzer) – In my experience as Dallas district director for the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, disability discrimination seems to present the most difficult issues for employers and employees alike.
Final pay – Wage deduction problem under the Texas Payday law
(By Tommy Simmons) – There are two main problem areas with deductions under the Payday Law.
ASSIST and the security profession in Texas
(By Bob Burt) – ASSIST develops and proposes legislation to protect your interests, testifies at legislative hearings and tracks security related bills as they make their way through the legislative process and defends against harmful legislation, all on your behalf. In addition, we form alliances with other trade organizations with similar interests and goals to provide a united front.
Assault against a security officer
(By Jeff Moore) – Based on the reports I’m receiving, we seem to be having fewer and fewer assaults against our security officers. This is good news for our brothers and sisters in the security field. Unfortunately, there is also sad news.
Through the cracks of security
(By Mel Anderson) – It must be asked whether racial profiling really helps national security or acts as a hindrance, allowing terrorists of non suspect descent to fall through the cracks of security. Are potential terrorists being overlooked because they do not fit the generalized, stereotypical portrait of a terrorist?
What's in a name? How about one year in jail and a $4,000 fine
(By Carlos Peniche) – This article focuses on individuals and “mom and pop” security contractors as a warning to all of you who are in business without a formal entity designation and have put out a sign, shingle or placard with your business name on it without filing an assumed name certificate.
Getting ready for Nov. 2, 2010
(By Mark Smith) – For the past two years I have been talking about building a better security officer. So I thought I would give that a rest and talked about politics until the election is over.
Buyer beware
(By Michelle Ellis) – If the endless effort encouraging you to ‘shop around’ is more than you can resist, be sure to shop wisely. Don’t forget… what may appear to be a bargain, may actually be trouble waiting to happen.
Employment practices liability coverage
(By Josh Ring) – An EPLI policy can protect a security company (and its owners) from claims of discrimination, sexual harassment, wrongful termination and breach of employment contracts. Though many of these claims may prove to be frivolous, the cost to defend and the time required defending such a claim makes this something every company owner should consider to protect themselves and their livelihood.
Technology Corner – What the future holds
(By Andrew Neal) – A question I often hear from my friends and clients is “where is technology going?” For business in general and the security industry specifically this can be an important question. In this month’s article I will attempt to dust off the crystal ball and take a peek at what is next.
Special election – "A fresh look"
Introducing Texas State Senator Joan Huffman.
Commitment versus cost
(By Michael Petty) – Commitment versus cost does not have to be a conundrum. Technology can greatly augment security services and your commitment to customers and employees can be kept by effectively monitoring and managing your security personnel in any corner of the globe from any corner of the globe.
A true Texas hero
The ASSIST 2009 Security Officer of the Year – Jeremy Gonzales.
Amber Bollinger 'Ethics' outstanding continuing class
Amber has the full attention of all of our members when giving the class on ethics for the past two years, and has agreed to again give the ethics class at our convention in San Antonio in October 2010.
My time with ASSIST
(By Kevin Galloway) – Having been possibly the youngest member in ASSIST history, I am proud to associate myself with the organization today, and for many years to come.
Who says Halloween is for kids?
You should have been at Walt Roberts' Halloween Party... (photos)
ASSIST Convention 2009 – A five star performance
(By Alan Trevino) – The Central Texas Region had the pleasure of hosting the 2009 ASSIST Annual Convention just four short years after becoming a region. An event like this has a way of bringing people together for the good of the cause.
Gratitude to our sponsors and VIPs
(By Dave Scepanski) – On behalf of ASSIST, we want to thank our others sponsors, and guest speakers for continuing education and especially all of our VIP’s from the governor’s office, senators, and state representatives who support us year after year.
Pocket cards – Let's get it right the first time
(By Bob Burt) – After many months of meetings, the Board Committee dealing with this issue has come to the conclusion that a great deal of additional planning and study is needed to properly meet the legislative guidelines. I have been advised that the plan is to undertake further study before any board rules are put in place.
New Certificate PI Program to be launched
The program teaches investigative skills that are beneficial to becoming a successful private investigator. The curriculum offers 200+ hours of instruction broken down into individual classes.
Texas branch of national security company sued by EEOC
A Houston branch of Guardsmark, LLC, a Delaware Corporation doing business in Texas, violated federal law by reassigning a class of female security guards based on customer preference for male guards, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission charged in a lawsuit.
LEAPS – Austin chapter
We are still putting the finishing touches on the formation of our chapter but know we are on the right track and just need to stay focused on seeing it through. There are a lot of great people supporting this and we appreciate their efforts and applaud their dedication and time to make this successful.
LEAPS – El Paso chapter
With the holidays behind us, the El Paso Police Department would like to remind everyone to take precaution when out and about.
LEAPS – Dallas chapter
All in all, 2009 has been an important and productive year for the members of Dallas LEAPS!
Security professionals of Texas
(By Dave Scepanski) – By getting involved and working together, we can continue to raise the standards and enhance the image of private security professionals.
Legislative report
(By Walt Roberts) – We are looking at a new legislative session starting in 13 months. ASSIST is working on some bills that were killed in the past, new bills to be filled for our future and what our enemies may have waiting for us.
The Last Word
(By Bob Burt) – From report writing to public speaking skills to conflict resolution skills; the training, and the individuals’ application of that training, is the difference between a security guard and a security
officer.
For past articles, please click
here.
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