Latest news with #privateSecurity
The Independent
10 hours ago
- Politics
- The Independent
University of Michigan drops private security after reports of surveillance
The University of Michigan said it's cutting ties with a private security company that was accused of following pro-Palestinian activists on and off campus. The university said it found the actions of one security company employee "disturbing, unacceptable and unethical." It did not elaborate. 'Going forward, we are terminating all contracts with external vendors to provide plainclothes security on campus,' President Domenico Grasso said in a statement Sunday. In a Guardian story last week, students said they were surveilled around Ann Arbor. The news outlet posted video from a member of a Muslim group who decided to confront a man who was watching him from a car last summer. That man in turn yelled and accused him of trying to steal his wallet. Tensions have been high between the university and pro-Palestinian student groups. A student encampment stood for a month on campus last year before authorities shut it down citing safety issues. Seven people were charged with felonies related to the encampment's removal, though charges were dropped in May. The university, which has campus police, said it hired private security about a year ago to report suspicious activity in high-traffic areas, not to perform surveillance. 'No individual or group should ever be targeted for their beliefs or affiliations,' Grasso said.
Associated Press
13 hours ago
- Politics
- Associated Press
University of Michigan drops private security after reports of surveillance
ANN ARBOR, Mich. (AP) — The University of Michigan said it's cutting ties with a private security company that was accused of following pro-Palestinian activists on and off campus. The university said it found the actions of one security company employee 'disturbing, unacceptable and unethical.' It did not elaborate. 'Going forward, we are terminating all contracts with external vendors to provide plainclothes security on campus,' President Domenico Grasso said in a statement Sunday. In a Guardian story last week, students said they were surveilled around Ann Arbor. The news outlet posted video from a member of a Muslim group who decided to confront a man who was watching him from a car last summer. That man in turn yelled and accused him of trying to steal his wallet. Tensions have been high between the university and pro-Palestinian student groups. A student encampment stood for a month on campus last year before authorities shut it down citing safety issues. Seven people were charged with felonies related to the encampment's removal, though charges were dropped in May. The university, which has campus police, said it hired private security about a year ago to report suspicious activity in high-traffic areas, not to perform surveillance. 'No individual or group should ever be targeted for their beliefs or affiliations,' Grasso said.
The Guardian
29-05-2025
- General
- The Guardian
Malibu hires private security for wildfire zones as coastal highway reopens
Nearly five months after wildfires tore through Los Angeles, killing dozens of people and destroying thousands of homes, the city of Malibu has hired private security to protect burned lots and vacant homes in the wake of the disaster. The city council voted last week to contract with a private security firm to provide 24/7 armed patrols in areas affected by the recent fires as a section of the Pacific Coast Highway reopens for the first time since the fire. The security patrols will work alongside the Los Angeles sheriff's office 'to ensure continuous public safety coverage during a critical recovery phase', the city said in a statement. 'Fire-damaged areas face heightened risks of burglary, vandalism, and theft – particularly of construction materials – as many properties remain vacant during rebuilding.' Under the $260,000 contract that began 23 May, four patrol units will deploy in the area for 30 days. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles sheriff's department plans to intensify 'looter suppression efforts', the city's statement said. Looting has been a near constant concern for residents since the January blazes devastated the region, leaving 30 people dead and, destroying nearly 17,000 structures from Altadena in the east to Pacific Palisades in the west, and costing billions of dollars. Dozens of people were arrested in evacuation zones during the fires. The additional security in Malibu began as the Pacific Coast Highway reopened ahead of Memorial Day weekend in what officials described as an important milestone in the area's recovery from the worst fires in its history. Recovery efforts in the city have been moving quickly as the governor has moved to speed up rebuilding and reduce permitting requirements. Workers have cleared hazardous materials from more than 9,000 properties in 'record time', the governor's office said in a statement. For months the Pacific Coast Highway was open only to residents and emergency workers. Officials promised a 'robust security presence' would continue after the highway reopened and LA's mayor, Karen Bass, ordered police to maintain increased patrolling in the Pacific Palisades, as well as checkpoints staffed 24 hours a day.
Associated Press
28-05-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Arrow Security Celebrates Grand Opening of New Boston Office with Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
One of the Nation's Largest Private Security Firms Expands Operations in New England Region 'Arrow Security is proud to expand our footprint in the Boston/Metro area as we celebrate 40 years in business '— AJ Caro, CEO of Arrow Security BOSTON, MA, UNITED STATES, May 28, 2025 / / -- Arrow Security, one of the nation's leading providers of private security guard services, officially opened its new Boston office located at 225 Friend Street with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Friday, May 16. The event commemorates a key milestone in Arrow's national expansion strategy and coincides with a celebration of the company's 40th Anniversary. AJ Caro, Chief Executive Officer of Arrow Security, was joined by local business leaders, dignitaries, clients and community stakeholders to mark the occasion and highlight the company's growing presence in the Boston metropolitan area and across the New England region. 'Arrow Security is proud to expand our footprint in the Boston/Metro area as we celebrate 40 years in business,' said Caro. 'This new office underscores our long-term commitment to serving clients throughout Massachusetts and the broader New England market.' Sharon Durkan, Boston City Councilor for District 8 — which encompasses Mission Hill, Fenway-Kenmore, Back Bay, Beacon Hill, and the West End including the Bulfinch Triangle — attended the ribbon cutting and presented a special citation in recognition of Arrow's new office. 'Arrow Security's expansion into Boston is a strong vote of confidence in our city's future. As public safety and the issue of executive protection continues to be a top priority, we welcome partners like Arrow who are committed to working collaboratively with local stakeholders to keep our residents and businesses safe.' Jay Walsh, Director of the Downtown North Association, also praised the company's expansion, saying 'Arrow Security's investment in the West End district speaks to the vibrance and growth of this area. Their presence not only strengthens the sense of security for our businesses and visitors, but also reflects a shared commitment to community partnership and excellence.' The Boston/Metro area will be well served by Darrin Greeley who joined Arrow Security in April 2024 as its Senior Vice President of Business Development and Client Services for this region. Darrin brings to the role more than 35 years of security and investigations industry experience. He is a retired Captain with the City of Boston Police Department and served as Commander with Boston City Homicide, the Firearm Discharge Investigation team and Crime Scene Response Unit. Darrin has FBI Officer Survival and Post Critical Incident Training, and Crisis Negotiation Special Topic Seminar Certifications. 'I'm thrilled to be part of Arrow Security's expansion into Boston,' said Greeley. 'This city is built on strong businesses and vibrant communities, and we're excited to help protect both. I look forward to growing our client base here by delivering the trusted, high-quality security services Arrow is known for.' About Arrow Security Founded in 1985, Arrow Security is one of the largest privately held security guard companies in the United States, servicing Massachusetts, New York City, Long Island, New York's Hudson Valley and Capital District, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Rhode Island and Florida. Arrow proudly provides over nine million hours of guard service each year, delivering to their diverse market sectors of clients, a world class safety and security program, coupled with around the clock superior professional service. Arrow Security prides itself on comprehensive training and custom-tailored solutions in the areas of guard services, risk assessment, communication systems, technology and more. However, it is their 'We Care' culture, putting their clients, employees and guards first, which sets them apart from others in the security industry. For more information on Arrow Security, please visit Jason Zove Standard Advisors Group +1 516-373-6200 email us here Visit us on social media: LinkedIn Instagram Facebook Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content 'as is' without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
National Post
19-05-2025
- Politics
- National Post
22 election candidates were provided private security by the federal government
OTTAWA — The federal government provided private security for close protection or to guard the home of 22 candidates in the last federal election amid a rise in threats and intimidation towards politicians. Article content Article content Throughout the campaign, 15 candidates were granted private security service that acted as their bodyguard during campaign events or daily activities, Privy Council Office (PCO) spokesperson Daniel Savoie told National Post. Article content Article content Another two were provided home monitoring services by an unarmed guard, while five met the threshold to receive both services, Savoie said. Article content Article content This was the first federal election during which the federal government offered private security services to candidates. The program was geared toward politicians who believe their security is at risk during the campaign but where the level of threat does not meet the threshold for police protection. Article content To be eligible, candidates had to have been physically attacked, had their property targeted by protesters or vandalized, felt threatened by a 'disruptive, uninvited individual' at home, or had their personal information posted on the internet, for example. Former CSIS national security analyst Stephanie Carvin said she was surprised by how many candidates applied to receive additional private security from a program that was announced right as the election campaign began. Article content 'I'm glad that resource is there, but it's unfortunate that it's needed,' said Carvin, now an associate professor at Carleton University. Article content Article content 'Individuals who are upset with the politics or politicians are increasingly willing to physically confront the people they see as adversaries or with different point of views. Rather than challenging their ideas, they want to physically confront them,' Carvin added. Article content Article content Savoie declined to identify which candidates were granted additional security or which party they represented over concerns it could compromise their safety.
