As IFPO Executive Director Sandi Davies has said before, security officers are being called upon for an increased role in personal and property protection in today's society. Time will tell if these increased roles, which some would call security officer overstepping their bounds, will be held up in court. One example that appears to be headed for court is the case of a group of security officers who conducted a drug raid at a Florida motel. Another, which has garnered some positive press, is an officer's one-man crime crusade in Tulsa, Oklahoma, according to the story below. -- IFPO.
Wednesday, May 3rd 2017
TULSA, Okla. (KTUL) -- A security guard is fighting crime on the streets of Tulsa in a selfless way but how he became a one-man crusader may surprise you.
Benjamin Terrero, a no-nonsense private security guard who we first introduced you to in February, is making a difference at the properties he patrols, catching one criminal at a time.
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He may not look like a crime-fighting crusader, but that’s exactly what he is, and he has the videos to prove it. In fact, Terrero has a growing video archive of his efforts to stop law breakers he encounters.
The 47-year-old patrols in east Tulsa and recently allowed us to ride along with him. He keeps watch on 14 apartment complexes throughout the week.
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He tells us he mostly comes across teens stealing cars or burglarizing apartments. And he’s caught it all on his body camera.
The dangers are obvious and far exceed the job description of a security guard. But Terrero says the risks are worth it because he knows he's making a difference, catching crooks and often holding them until police arrive.
“I think I’m needed. I think I’m needed to patrol these areas and work together with police officers," said Terrero.
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Born in the Dominican Republic, Terrero moved to Michigan when he was 14,where he found local fame as a boxer.
Years later, he landed in Tulsa after pursuing his dream to be a salsa singer. In the end, a friend suggested Terrero try to become a police officer. He settled instead on becoming a security guard.
Terrero says what separates him from other security guards is his willingness to intervene with kindness.
“Not anybody can be a police officer. Not anybody can be a preacher," said Terrero.
Instead, Terrero molded two careers into one.
He says his goal is not to ruin the lives of those he comes across.
Thankfully, Terrero says he’s never had to shoot anyone on his properties. Instead of making citizen’s arrests, he documents those he detains.
Read the rest of the story here.
