Friday, April 16, 2010
Security Guard at Rest
Relying on private companies to guard federal buildings has resulted in numerous breaches of security, according to an investigation by the Government Accountability Office. A new GAO report has called upon the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to reconsider its use of private security to protect government operations, given how poorly some of the businesses have performed. It may be time to federalize this function, the GAO recommended.
Breakdowns in security at federal locations include undercover agents being able to carry fake guns, knives and explosives past guards in 66% of test cases. In one instance, the undercover official put a phony gun and knife on an X-ray machine belt and was allowed to retrieve the items and proceed to the check-in desk. At one high-security building, guards failed to detect a phony bomb placed in an agent’s bag. At the same building, security personnel did detect an undercover agent with a gun, but while they were dealing with him, another agent walked through the security checkpoint with two knives without being screened.
DHS not only failed to punish seven companies that had expired certifications and training requirements, but even extended their contracts with the government.
-Noel Brinkerhoff
Growing Chorus Calls for Federalizing Building Security (by Robert Brodsky, Government Executive)
Hearing on Federal Protective Service Examines Profit vs. Public Service (by Joe Davidson, Washington Post)
Federal Protective Service’s Contract Guard Program Requires More Oversight and Reassessment of Use of Contract Guards (Government Accountability Office) (pdf)
Preliminary Results Show Federal Protective Service’s Ability to Protect Federal Facilities Is Hampered By Weaknesses in Its Contract Security Guard Program statement of Mark L. Goldsteing, Government Accountability Office) (pdf)
Comments