There's a lot to unpack here in this report, but to summarize what appear to be the two main issues, you have a company known as The Security Guys claiming some sort of "don't ask, don't tell" covert contract: "Nobody's even said anything to us." Then you have a college administrator saying he "did not properly research the company>' The positive is that from the I-TEAM's investigation, it appears some major changes have taken place. -- IFPO.
By Laura Warren, WRDW
AUGUSTA, Ga. --(WRDW/WAGT) Since our I-team started investigating illegal security, two of the biggest venues in our area, the James Brown Arena and the Bell Auditorium tell us they have changed their policies when it comes to hiring security. But, we've found a lot of venues don't have much in place when it comes to vetting and hiring security guards.
We found unlicensed security guards working at Lady Antebellum Amphitheatre, Miller Theatre, James Brown Arena, Bell Auditorium, USC Aiken Convocation Center, Western Carolina State Fair, and Kids Prompt Care.
With a list like that, chances are you've gone to an event where they were on duty. Ricky Davis says he's been going to events at these venues for years.
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"To the Bell, ever since I was a kid. To the JBA, ever since they built it," Davis said. "I assume coming here with my fiance we are coming to a safe place to enjoy ourselves and be safe doing that."
We found the security company 'The Security Guys' working at all of those venues we mentioned was not licensed by the state, did not have proof of proper training, or background checks for their employees.
We asked the owner Brian Brady how they get jobs without a state license. "Nobody's even said anything to us. No venue, nobody we've ever done work for has said you gotta be state certified," he explained.
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When SLED found the Security Guys working events in South Carolina without a license, they interviewed the manager of campus events at USC Aiken. He said he, 'did not know they were working illegally in South Carolina...' and 'admitted he did not properly research the company. To read the full report, click on the document tab.
Columbia County hired the Security Guys at least eleven times. We found they were invoiced as 'security.' In an email, Columbia county told us the Security Guys haven't worked for the county since March of 2018. When they were hired, they acted as 'gatekeepers.' But, the state considers that the role of a security guard.
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