Public Safety

Mandatory training proposed for security guards

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By ZHAO PENG
Capital News Service
LANSING — The Michigan Contract Security Association is pushing to establish the first statewide training requirements for security guards. There are 23,960 security guards serving at hospitals, schools, local governments facilities, retail stores and other locations in Michigan, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. They are responsible for preventing theft, violence and other misconduct. However, there are currently no unified training standards or even compulsory training for security guards in Michigan, according to the association. “There are no training requirements at all,” said Larry Julian, the executive director of the association.

Government

Legislation would allow nuclear power plant guards to use deadly force to deter terrorists

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By DANIELLE WOODWARD
Capital News Service
LANSING — Nuclear power plant security guards have no more authority to use force than civilians. But lawmakers have introduced bills in the House and Senate to change that by allowing them to use deadly and non-deadly force within reason. “It would allow them, in specific situations that they deem necessary, to use force to remove someone from a power plant,” said, Rep. Al Pscholka, R-Stevensville, the primary sponsor for the House bill. “This is not something where security officers will be able to shoot protestors. It is to prevent terrorists from coming to the door of a nuclear power plant.”

Nuclear plant security officers can only use force now to prevent imminent death but this law would give them the same authority as a police officer, said Terrence Jungel, Michigan Sheriffs’ Association executive director.