Harris County Sheriff Adrian Garcia, along with representatives of local security companies, announced the HCSO's partnership with Law Enforcement and Private Security (LEAPS) in efforts to train local private security guards as added eyes and ears of the Sheriff's Office.
The partnership spearheaded by Sheriff Garcia -- with the collaboration of American Society of Industrial Security (ASIS) - International and Associated Security Services and Investigators of the State of Texas (ASSIST) -- will facilitate the exchange of crime information between private security agencies and law enforcement.
"This is a no brainer," says Sheriff Garcia. "Security professionals are out there in the field every day and night. By enlisting their help we have extra boots on the ground to spot suspicious or criminal activity."
"By working together with the private security industry we will be able to help prevent crimes and even locate individuals we're looking for, whether they're missing persons or suspects wanted for a crime," he added.
On Thursday, HCSO deputies will train private security personnel in an all-day workshop at the HCSO Academy in Atascocita. They'll be covering numerous topics including, crime scene preservation, note taking, threat detection, and dispute resolution.
"Sheriff Adrian Garcia is the first in Harris County to recognize this previously untapped resource and has made Harris County much safer with this partnership between private security professionals and law enforcement officers," said Bob Burt, Immediate Past State President of ASSIST.
"The Houston chapter of the American Society of Industrial Security - International supports and commends the Harris County Sheriff's Office for launching another effective Public-Private partnership to the benefit of the community. LEAPS brings additional eyes and ears through the private security industry, creating a better understanding, cooperation and coordination with area law enforcement agencies," stated Charles Andrews, CPP Chairman, ASIS International Houston Chapter.
