When it comes to private security, Pennsylvania has"the most archaic" rules in the country, and no one enforcing them. The result is an anything-goes culture that puts guards and the public at risk.
He was part of a booming industry that has encountered unprecedented private- and public-sector demand amid mounting concerns about violent crime and retail theft, and a police staffing crisis., pledged $5 million to increase city spending on private security to new highs. Allied Universal, the Conshohocken-based security giant, is now
The patchwork of state rules that does exist applies only to certain guards in certain work contexts — and they are rarely enforced, according to security providers. They’re confusing even to law enforcement personnel, who say county-by-county licensing creates hazy jurisdictional lines. Steve Amitay, who heads the National Association of Security Companies, a trade group, said Pennsylvania is also a “big-time outlier” for allowing armed guards to carry assault-style rifles, which he called “crazy.”
The only consequence his employer, Collins Family Markets, faced is civil liability. The company hired a lawyer to defend Hagin in his criminal case. Supermarket owner Larry Collins and the lawyers representing the local ShopRite chain in the civil case did not respond to requests for comment. To get a detective agency license, a company must petition in the local court. Exact requirements vary from county to county, but the law requires three years “investigative” experience, statements from five “character witnesses,” and a $10,000 bond.
“You’ve got people just getting ‘Security’ put on T-shirts they bought off Amazon,” he said. “It’s very bothersome to us because we pay for the licensing, we keep our business straight, we follow the rules. … People with no accountability are taking contracts from us.” Darren Watson, who said he has provided security for local charter schools and for popstar Doja Cat, said he’s never bothered to get a detective agency license. He runs his own company, Born 2 Protect, but said he’s been able to work under his father’s license for decades.
In 2013, an off-duty security guard who shot and killed a man during an argument on a Philadelphia street was charged with carrying a gun without a license and impersonating a police officer. He claimed his Act 235 certification was a substitute for a Pennsylvania gun license. They were Pennsylvania SlTE State Agents, headed by Andre Boyer — the ex-cop who lost his Philly license to carry firearms eight years ago.He does not have a private detective license in Philadelphia, either. Judges ruled that he “did not meet the character and experience requirements,” according to a Superior Court opinion.
Lt. Adam Reed, a communications officer for the Pennsylvania State Police, said Act 235-holders such as Boyer are not “state agents,” and are subject to the authority of local police. He said they must carry their certificate, and display it to police upon request. The Philadelphia Police said they process Boyer’s calls just as they would those of any other security guard. They consider him to be a witness. A spokesperson confirmed that the department did make one arrest from the store on the night in question, and issued the person a summary citation for retail theft.