Editorial: It can’t be a free-for-all

The involvement of a security guard in the shooting at Westin last weekend made people wonder why he was employed as such in the first place, taking into account the man’s criminal record. The company concerned argues in today’s paper that it had decided to give the convict a second chance.

Still, providing security is not just any job and would seem to require a high level of confidence plus integrity. Someone with a delinquent past is often more vulnerable as well due to their former ties.

In addition, the nature of the subject’s earlier sentence, reportedly for an armed robbery that resulted in death, is seen as a “red flag” by others in the industry.

Then again, it’s also true that very few local employers are willing to hire people who come out of prison, which obviously does not help with their rehabilitation.

In this case the man was still in his trial period as a trainee patrol officer checking up on locations. That could give him what might be considered a supervisory role, which in itself raises questions.

But instead of merely focussing on this isolated incident, perhaps it would make sense to take stock of the entire security sector, which has grown tremendously in recent years. Chances are that whatever special rules are in place for this type of business could use a bit of updating.

The latter is something that probably should be looked into sooner rather than later, to come up with modern uniform standards and norms, including the possible exclusion of people who can’t produce a so-called Certificate of Good Conduct. Helping law enforcement authorities ensure public safety in sensitive areas and situations is also an important part of the island’s tourism economy, but it can’t be a free-for-all.
Source: Daily Herald
It can’t be a free-for-all

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