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The safety of our children at school is a top priority, and we trust that the individuals hired to protect them are properly trained and authorized. However, a recent incident in Laredo serves as a stark reminder of what can happen when that trust is misplaced.
In late November, a routine security compliance check at United Independent School District (UISD) campuses uncovered a troubling situation. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) and Texas Highway Patrol found that five individuals working as security officers were allegedly doing so without the necessary licenses. These arrests revealed a serious breach of protocol at a third-party security company, Eyeview Security & Investigations, which had been contracted by the district for nearly a decade.
According to a UISD board member, the district would use Eyeview to supplement its security staff on an as-needed basis. While the district had required the company to provide proper credentials and licenses, the DPS audit found potential violations related to documentation and the credentialing of security personnel. The five individuals arrested—Luis Miguel Luna Castillo, Karina De La Cruz, Estrella Gonzalez, Maria Rangel, and Manuel Ortiz—were charged with violating the Texas Occupations Code for impersonating a security officer.
While four of the five suspects are now out on bond, the incident has had a lasting impact. UISD immediately suspended its contract with Eyeview and is now considering a shift to hiring its own full-time security personnel to prevent similar issues in the future.
This story, while specific to a single district, highlights a critical issue that extends far beyond school campuses: the importance of verifying the credentials of any professional you hire for security or investigative work.
The Critical Importance of Licensing and Insurance
Whether you are a school district, a business, or a private citizen, the decision to hire a security guard or private investigator should not be taken lightly. As the Laredo incident shows, the credentials of these professionals are not just formalities—they are vital safeguards that protect you and ensure the integrity of their work.
1. The Power of a License
A state-issued license is the most important credential to look for. It signifies that the individual has met specific legal requirements to perform their job. These requirements often include:
- Background Checks: A clean record is essential for any position of trust. Licensing ensures that the individual has no history of criminal activity that could compromise their trustworthiness.
- Training and Education: Licensing requires a certain amount of training or on-the-job experience. This guarantees that the professional is knowledgeable in proper evidence collection, surveillance, and legal procedures.
- Knowledge of the Law: This is arguably the most crucial point. A licensed professional understands the complex laws surrounding privacy, surveillance, and evidence collection. Hiring an unlicensed individual risks having any evidence they gather thrown out of court because it was collected illegally. Worse, you could face legal repercussions for hiring someone who broke the law on your behalf.
2. The Protection of Insurance
Even a licensed professional can make a mistake. This is where insurance comes in, providing a vital safety net for both you and the professional.
- Professional Liability (Errors & Omissions) Insurance: This type of insurance protects you if the professional makes a mistake that leads to a financial loss. If they provide inaccurate information or fail to deliver a promised service, this insurance can cover the damages.
- General Liability Insurance: This covers a range of risks, such as accidental property damage or bodily injury. If a security guard or investigator accidentally causes a car accident during their work, for example, their insurance would cover the costs. Without it, you could be held responsible for the damages.
The risks of hiring an uninsured professional can be financially devastating. If an accident or mistake occurs, you could be left footing the bill for legal fees, damages, or medical expenses, with little to no recourse.
In the end, the story from UISD serves as a powerful lesson. It reinforces that when it comes to the safety of our communities and families, there is no substitute for diligence. By always verifying that your security and investigative professionals are both licensed and insured, you protect yourself from legal liability, financial risk, and the potential for a compromised or failed investigation.
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References
https://www.kgns.tv/2024/12/03/5-arrested-allegedly-impersonating-security-guards-uisd-schools/
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