dwarven1
Lonely Mountain Arms
Could someone tell me why the Department of Homeland Security needs to hire an outside security company to provide security for them?
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Homeland Security
- Thread starter dwarven1
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Perhaps because DHS is incompetent? [roll]
IF this is the same outfit that "provided security" at the JFK Building ~2000, they ARE a bunch of incompetent jerks. I know someone who worked for whatever security outfit was there at JFK (private firm, not gov't) and I had a major run-in with his supervisor as I tried to enter the building. Although I had a business appointment with someone in the building (a friendly visit), they tried to deny me access to the building . . . the supervisor was telling me that Constables aren't allowed in the Fed Bldg . . . even after I told the jerk that I was NOT there to serve papers on anyone (which the law DOES allow me to do, if that had been my purpose). I wasted at least 15 minutes dealing with these boobs. [BTW, the person I know that worked for them left that company shortly afterwards and has bounced around a few different LE jobs. I think he told me he's with TSA now! [roll] ]
IF this is the same outfit that "provided security" at the JFK Building ~2000, they ARE a bunch of incompetent jerks. I know someone who worked for whatever security outfit was there at JFK (private firm, not gov't) and I had a major run-in with his supervisor as I tried to enter the building. Although I had a business appointment with someone in the building (a friendly visit), they tried to deny me access to the building . . . the supervisor was telling me that Constables aren't allowed in the Fed Bldg . . . even after I told the jerk that I was NOT there to serve papers on anyone (which the law DOES allow me to do, if that had been my purpose). I wasted at least 15 minutes dealing with these boobs. [BTW, the person I know that worked for them left that company shortly afterwards and has bounced around a few different LE jobs. I think he told me he's with TSA now! [roll] ]
A year ago I interviewed with a security company. It was for an amred position. The armed site was Hanscom Air Force base. AFAIK, the company is still providing security for them. And oh yeah - they provided their guards with a 9mm Sig. You could not bring your own gun on to the base.
DWARVEN1:
Its called "Circular A-76"; or "A-76" for short. It is a federal policy that any job that could arguably be more efficiently done by the private sector should be removed from the civil service sector & privatized.
It has eliminated the cleaning and facilities maintenance crews, building security, and many other former federal jobs nation-wide.
It makes sense in a twisted way; the DHS needs to focus their resources on threats beyond just one building. A contracted rent-a-cop can cover the front door (and act as a trip wire) for a lot less than a federal LEO with a 20-year retirement plan.
Its called "Circular A-76"; or "A-76" for short. It is a federal policy that any job that could arguably be more efficiently done by the private sector should be removed from the civil service sector & privatized.
It has eliminated the cleaning and facilities maintenance crews, building security, and many other former federal jobs nation-wide.
It makes sense in a twisted way; the DHS needs to focus their resources on threats beyond just one building. A contracted rent-a-cop can cover the front door (and act as a trip wire) for a lot less than a federal LEO with a 20-year retirement plan.
The Department of Defense has routinely used contract security for years. Ft. Huachuca, Az has used contract security gate guards since the 1980's. As previously pointed out, the use of contract security is seen as cost effective.
Some years ago the General Services Adminsitration had its own guard force of civil service employees. This went the way of the dodo bird.
There are going to be more contractual arrangements at military bases. When I was at Ft Gordon, GA the Central Issue Facility was contract. Now I understand that physical plants and installation housing support are going to be contracted in the future.
I talked with one of the Gordon Issue people. She lost all of her civil service benefits, and had second class health and retirement benefits when she went to work for the contractor. Her salary was the same, but no step raises were garanteed.
Government contracting is the way we do business now. Many DHS personnel, not just security, are contractors.
Regards,
Mark
Some years ago the General Services Adminsitration had its own guard force of civil service employees. This went the way of the dodo bird.
There are going to be more contractual arrangements at military bases. When I was at Ft Gordon, GA the Central Issue Facility was contract. Now I understand that physical plants and installation housing support are going to be contracted in the future.
I talked with one of the Gordon Issue people. She lost all of her civil service benefits, and had second class health and retirement benefits when she went to work for the contractor. Her salary was the same, but no step raises were garanteed.
Government contracting is the way we do business now. Many DHS personnel, not just security, are contractors.
Regards,
Mark
The maintenance people I worked with at a USDA research lab in IL were contract employees that lost their federal jobs due to A-76. Same story as your aquaintance: roughly the same pay, but much less chance of a raise, and far lower level of benefits. THAT'S where the savings come in; reduced raises and lower benefits.
Now DoD is reying to implement something called the NSPS; National Security(?) Pay System, to do the same to people still in Civil Service. According to the unions at least, the government's goal is to lower benefits & eliminate automatic pay raises. Interesting.
Oh, NSPS is the pay system in use already with DHS. Haven't heard an opinion either way from current DHS employees.
