airport

Private security could replace BSO at airport, seaport

> Posted by Scott Wyman on March 23, 2010 12:00 PM
Already fighting to save its contract with Pompano Beach, the Broward Sheriff’s Office is also facing the prospect of losing part of its work at the airport and seaport.

Almost a 100 jobs now filled by community service aides from the Sheriff’s Office could be turned over to private security firms under a cost-cutting measure being considered by the County Commission. Commissioners agreed Tuesday to put the work out for bid in hopes of saving up to $3 million in security costs.

Sheriff Al Lamberti said he understands the county’s desire to save money, but said such a move could harm public safety at Port Everglades and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. Not only is the port a busy cruise and cargo hub, but it also handles the gas supply for South Florida.

“It’s a tradeoff and they will have to decide if they are willing to compromise on security because of cost,” Lamberti said.

The county plans to take bids this spring and hear presentations from the top contenders in August. The sheriff would be allowed to bid and would continue to provide regular law enforcement at the airport and seaport regardless of what happens.

“At this economic time, we have to look at every option,” Mayor Ken Keechl said. “I hope it will end up saving the taxpayers of Broward County some money because we are heading into another difficult budget year.”

Lamberti currently is locked in negotiations with the city of Pompano Beach over continuing to provide law enforcement. The city is exploring whether to ditch the Sheriff’s Office and restart its own police department.

At the port and airport, Lamberti said there are benefits by having law enforcement and minor security handled through the Sheriff’s Office. He said there is better coordination with federal and state law enforcement agencies. Also, he noted the non-sworn BSO aides are better trained than most private security guards.

County commissioners discussed bidding out the work last summer as they tackled a $109 million budget deficit and decided to move ahead Tuesday as they face a new shortfall of as much as $179 million.

A comparison done by port administrators estimated they could save $2.4 million a year if 78 security jobs were switched from the Sheriff’s Office to private business. That’s about 45 percent less than the $5.2 million paid to the sheriff. Private guards could also be used for traffic control during cruise days in place of paying overtime to sheriff staff.

The savings is less at the airport. Officials there estimated converting to private security could save $270,000 a year.


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Private security could replace BSO at airport, seaport

> Posted by Scott Wyman on March 23, 2010 12:00 PM
Already fighting to save its contract with Pompano Beach, the Broward Sheriff’s Office is also facing the prospect of losing part of its work at the airport and seaport.

Almost a 100 jobs now filled by community service aides from the Sheriff’s Office could be turned over to private security firms under a cost-cutting measure being considered by the County Commission. Commissioners agreed Tuesday to put the work out for bid in hopes of saving up to $3 million in security costs.

Sheriff Al Lamberti said he understands the county’s desire to save money, but said such a move could harm public safety at Port Everglades and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. Not only is the port a busy cruise and cargo hub, but it also handles the gas supply for South Florida.

“It’s a tradeoff and they will have to decide if they are willing to compromise on security because of cost,” Lamberti said.

The county plans to take bids this spring and hear presentations from the top contenders in August. The sheriff would be allowed to bid and would continue to provide regular law enforcement at the airport and seaport regardless of what happens.

“At this economic time, we have to look at every option,” Mayor Ken Keechl said. “I hope it will end up saving the taxpayers of Broward County some money because we are heading into another difficult budget year.”

Lamberti currently is locked in negotiations with the city of Pompano Beach over continuing to provide law enforcement. The city is exploring whether to ditch the Sheriff’s Office and restart its own police department.

At the port and airport, Lamberti said there are benefits by having law enforcement and minor security handled through the Sheriff’s Office. He said there is better coordination with federal and state law enforcement agencies. Also, he noted the non-sworn BSO aides are better trained than most private security guards.

County commissioners discussed bidding out the work last summer as they tackled a $109 million budget deficit and decided to move ahead Tuesday as they face a new shortfall of as much as $179 million.

A comparison done by port administrators estimated they could save $2.4 million a year if 78 security jobs were switched from the Sheriff’s Office to private business. That’s about 45 percent less than the $5.2 million paid to the sheriff. Private guards could also be used for traffic control during cruise days in place of paying overtime to sheriff staff.

The savings is less at the airport. Officials there estimated converting to private security could save $270,000 a year.


POSTED IN: County Commission (503)
> Discuss this entry

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We all know how to read the newspaper. Why do you waste space here cutting and pasting an article??
This is not NEW news! It's been in the works for awhile. Where have you been

Private security could replace BSO at airport, seaport

> Posted by Scott Wyman on March 23, 2010 12:00 PM
Already fighting to save its contract with Pompano Beach, the Broward Sheriff’s Office is also facing the prospect of losing part of its work at the airport and seaport.

Almost a 100 jobs now filled by community service aides from the Sheriff’s Office could be turned over to private security firms under a cost-cutting measure being considered by the County Commission. Commissioners agreed Tuesday to put the work out for bid in hopes of saving up to $3 million in security costs.

Sheriff Al Lamberti said he understands the county’s desire to save money, but said such a move could harm public safety at Port Everglades and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. Not only is the port a busy cruise and cargo hub, but it also handles the gas supply for South Florida.

“It’s a tradeoff and they will have to decide if they are willing to compromise on security because of cost,” Lamberti said.

The county plans to take bids this spring and hear presentations from the top contenders in August. The sheriff would be allowed to bid and would continue to provide regular law enforcement at the airport and seaport regardless of what happens.

“At this economic time, we have to look at every option,” Mayor Ken Keechl said. “I hope it will end up saving the taxpayers of Broward County some money because we are heading into another difficult budget year.”

Lamberti currently is locked in negotiations with the city of Pompano Beach over continuing to provide law enforcement. The city is exploring whether to ditch the Sheriff’s Office and restart its own police department.

At the port and airport, Lamberti said there are benefits by having law enforcement and minor security handled through the Sheriff’s Office. He said there is better coordination with federal and state law enforcement agencies. Also, he noted the non-sworn BSO aides are better trained than most private security guards.

County commissioners discussed bidding out the work last summer as they tackled a $109 million budget deficit and decided to move ahead Tuesday as they face a new shortfall of as much as $179 million.

A comparison done by port administrators estimated they could save $2.4 million a year if 78 security jobs were switched from the Sheriff’s Office to private business. That’s about 45 percent less than the $5.2 million paid to the sheriff. Private guards could also be used for traffic control during cruise days in place of paying overtime to sheriff staff.

The savings is less at the airport. Officials there estimated converting to private security could save $270,000 a year.


POSTED IN: County Commission (503)
> Discuss this entry

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We all know how to read the newspaper. Why do you waste space here cutting and pasting an article??
This is not NEW news! It's been in the works for awhile. Where have you been

Unfortunately for the Community Service Aides, their boss has imploded the entire agency and it's always the "grunts" that take the brunt. Lamberti, I have no law enforcement experience and I could have done a better job in keeping the agency intact while I was asleep.

CSA's you've been had. Even your boss said "CSA's are trained better than MOST security guards". If Lamberti was at all interested in your livelihood and viability he would have said; "CSA's are highly trained and capable of observation and security measures above and beyond any security guard."

Your own boss just gave you a colonoscopy without the grease!

The next time the Sheriff is interviewed by the media he should remind the County Commission and the public that it was one of our Port CSA's who was responsible for the capture and arrest of one of the Dunkin Donuts killers. They should be reminded that she didn't have a gun or a vest on when she put her life on the line by detaining the car he was in until BSO DLE could arrive and make the arrest. Would a security guard do what she did? I think not.

The next time the Sheriff is interviewed by the media he should remind the County Commission and the public that it was one of our Port CSA's who was responsible for the capture and arrest of one of the Dunkin Donuts killers. They should be reminded that she didn't have a gun or a vest on when she put her life on the line by detaining the car he was in until BSO DLE could arrive and make the arrest. Would a security guard do what she did? I think not.

You know, you are right, now pass the jelly donuts. :snicker:

The next time the Sheriff is interviewed by the media he should remind the County Commission and the public that it was one of our Port CSA's who was responsible for the capture and arrest of one of the Dunkin Donuts killers. They should be reminded that she didn't have a gun or a vest on when she put her life on the line by detaining the car he was in until BSO DLE could arrive and make the arrest. Would a security guard do what she did? I think not.

Know the whole story before you sing the praises for anyone.

The next time the Sheriff is interviewed by the media he should remind the County Commission and the public that it was one of our Port CSA's who was responsible for the capture and arrest of one of the Dunkin Donuts killers. They should be reminded that she didn't have a gun or a vest on when she put her life on the line by detaining the car he was in until BSO DLE could arrive and make the arrest. Would a security guard do what she did? I think not.

Dramatic story … but not quite accurate. The “BSO DLE” was on-sight at the checkpoint where the Dunkin Donuts Dum Dum’s drove in. The CSA was there, that’s about it.

It’s all about the almighty dollar, not about which CSA or Deputy does what. It’s all about a really bad leader at a really bad time. Don’t pit the CSA’s against the deputies. Place the blame where it belongs, squarely on the shoulders of a non-politician sheriff.

The first busy cruise day with McRoberts security directing traffic would be a sight to see. If the port thinks it can’t afford the CSA’s now, wait till the cruise lines have to answer to their passengers and the buzz will be “Don’t cruise out of Port Everglades”. More than half of the private security guards struggle with English, and live in Miami. They would be able to direct the traveling public just fine. They have to over schedule by 10 %, because guards just don’t show up. Our county leaders are way too smart for me, remember you get what you pay for.

The first busy cruise day with McRoberts security directing traffic would be a sight to see. If the port thinks it can’t afford the CSA’s now, wait till the cruise lines have to answer to their passengers and the buzz will be “Don’t cruise out of Port Everglades”. More than half of the private security guards struggle with English, and live in Miami. They would be able to direct the traveling public just fine. They have to over schedule by 10 %, because guards just don’t show up. Our county leaders are way too smart for me, remember you get what you pay for.

You know, I’ve seen some slovenly security guards, but for the most part they work their asses off 16 hours a day to try to make some chump change to support their family’s in the American Dream. Many CSA’s are just as slovenly and feel entitled.

You’ll see no major changes or major disasters when a private security company replaces the CSA’s, you’ll just see a huge savings and very happy Port Director slashing the budget for security by almost 50%.

Proud BSO or not … money talks Bu#4sh8*t walks!

I blame Lamberti. He could care less about the civilians as long as the DLE’s are protected. Nice job with the statement “CSA’s are trained better than MOST security guards.” Oh thank you mien her for that glowing endorsement.

2012 just too damn far away! Yeah, Yeah I know, you have my ISP address, come and get me, come and get me!

The next time the Sheriff is interviewed by the media he should remind the County Commission and the public that it was one of our Port CSA's who was responsible for the capture and arrest of one of the Dunkin Donuts killers. They should be reminded that she didn't have a gun or a vest on when she put her life on the line by detaining the car he was in until BSO DLE could arrive and make the arrest. Would a security guard do what she did? I think not.

Dramatic story … but not quite accurate. The “BSO DLE” was on-sight at the checkpoint where the Dunkin Donuts Dum Dum’s drove in. The CSA was there, that’s about it.

It’s all about the almighty dollar, not about which CSA or Deputy does what. It’s all about a really bad leader at a really bad time. Don’t pit the CSA’s against the deputies. Place the blame where it belongs, squarely on the shoulders of a non-politician sheriff.

More than 70 Broward Sheriff's Office employees working at Port Everglades could be replaced with private guards under a cost-cutting proposal from seaport administrators that union leaders say could jeopardize security.

The port's plan calls for eliminating all of its Sheriff's Office community service aides — civilian employees who staff the four entrance gates, direct traffic and patrol what is on track to become the world's largest cruise hub. Replacing them with guards from the private sector could shave about $2.5 million yearly from the port's budget, said Port Director Phillip Allen.

Allen said he's attempting to "right size" port security, but the union representing the community service aides questions whether the change would expose the port to heightened threats, including terrorism. The Federation of Public Employees argues that private guards lack the aides' training and sense of professionalism.



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"Anyone seriously viewing such private security guards as being capable of properly protecting our seaport … against infiltration by organized crime networks and as potential terrorist targets has simply failed to do the necessary research," Scott Perrin, a master steward for the union, wrote the Broward County Commission.

In recent years, community service aides have identified stolen vehicles and stopped weapons from getting into the port.

If the port moves forward with its privatization plan, BSO would be forced to lay off 79 of its 232 aides on a last-hired, first-fired basis, Sheriff Al Lamberti said.

Port administrators also are scrutinizing whether they need 57 deputies working there as called for by the port's contract with BSO, which expires Oct. 1. The Sheriff's Office — security, fire-rescue and emergency services — accounts for 34 percent of the port's operating expenses.

Lamberti said one of the port's proposals for cutting costs is to eliminate as many as 30 deputy positions. Allen said the number being considered is nowhere near that high, but declined to elaborate, saying he didn't want to negotiate through the media.

The decisions about port security ultimately must be made by the Broward County Commission as it sets next year's budget. Port Everglades is an economic powerhouse generating $14 billion in business activity statewide and impacting an estimated 143,185 jobs. The entry point for South Florida's gasoline and diesel fuel, if it were shut down the region's transportation system would be crippled.

Just a decade ago, access to the port was open, with people able to drive through it to get to the beach. But in the aftermath of the 9/11 terrorism attack, screening measures were put in place and the security budget swelled from $4 million to about $25 million.

Port Everglades is the only one of Florida's 14 seaports that contracts with local law enforcement to staff its gates. Port of Miami uses its own employees, while the other ports hire private security firms, said Michael Rubin, vice president of the Florida Ports Council, a trade organization.

Allen said it makes economic sense to shift to private security firms that perform similar jobs at other ports. Private security firms already work at Port Everglades in the cruise terminals and cargo yards, he said.

"It's not a matter of performance issues [with the community service aides]," Allen said. "It's a matter of cost and how can we spend the dollars wisely. … We have reduced our operating expenses the last three years with the exception of BSO. Now it is time for contract renewal, it is time for reducing security costs."

Fred McCrone, a business representative for the aides' union, said that by contracting out security, the port could be left with low-paid, relatively inexperienced guards deciding who is allowed entry. The number of people guarding the port could be reduced if Port Everglades administrators focused on installing new security equipment, especially for a "failing camera system," McCrone said.

He said that of the 413 security cameras at the port, as many as half are routinely out of operation.

Allen called those numbers inaccurate, and said that of the port's approximately 300 cameras, fewer than 20 currently require maintenance.

Sheriff Al Lamberti said he has a good relationship with port officials and that contract negotiations are still under way. He said he's concerned how a private security firm would work with BSO and other law enforcement agencies — including Coast Guard, Border Patrol and the Drug Enforcement Administration — present at the port.

He pointed to how in December 2008, one of his community service aides recognized two men wanted in the Dunkin' Donut robbery spree as they tried to enter Port Everglades to board a ship for the Bahamas. The aide tipped off a Sheriff's deputy and the suspects were arrested at the checkpoint.

"If a private security company was on that gate, those guys probably would have made it through the gate and out of the country," Lamberti said.