A Wackenhut Officer's Story
I am a Wackenhut security officer for the
Metro Rail in Miami and just
returned from serving our country in Iraq. I would like to see better
supervision for security officers who understand how important it is to
have more people guarding each station. Right now at the Metro Rail we
only have one person covering each station and anything can happen. If
you call for back-up, the officers are on rolling patrol and you’re
stuck there until they arrive because they have to take a train from
several stations away. For our own safety, and in order to provide
adequate protection for the riders of the Metro Rail, I believe we need
at least two people per station at all times.
When I was on tour
in Iraq as an MP we made safety a priority. The officers came first. We
were more united, we helped each other out, and the sergeant in charge
of our squad or patrol always made sure you had everything, including
water and rest. We cared about our work as professional people who
cared about providing safety. That’s how I’d like to work now in my
job, but Wackenhut makes that very difficult.
Why is SEIU keeping a watchful Eye on Wackenhut?
The
Wackenhut Corporation, the second largest private security company in
the US, is a wholly owned subsidiary of the London-based Group 4
Securicor.Wackenhut claims that it provides “quality services at the
highest professional standards.”[1] But officers and facts tell a
different story.
That's why SEIU is working in
coordination with other security unions to ensure that the Wackenhut
workers have the strongest and most unified voice possible. That's why
we are organizing a national committee for Wackenhut workers to promote
public safety and the right of all security officers to earn a
dignified living and to provide for their families.
[1]
“Wackenhut: A Trusted Security Partner in Challenging Times, An
overview of Security, Consulting and Investigation Services.”
Promotional compact disc, The Wackenhut Corporation, Palm Beach
Gardens, FL.