AEGIS Protective Services
Patricia Schmitt, CPP
President and CEO

Aegis Protective Services is a Florida-based contract security provider that serves corporations, residential communities, commercial properties, utility companies, retail locations, construction projects and other venues requiring security services. One key point in the Aegis philosophy is to empower local managers to adapt to suit the client's needs. Aegis participates in local and national associations that help guide laws and best practices for the security industry. Aegis Protective Services is a member of ASIS; FASCO; BOMA; Florida State Private Investigative, Recovery and Security Advisory Council; and Private Security and LE Partnership. President and CEO Patricia Schmitt, CPP, serves on the boards of many of those organizations volunteering her time for the industry.

Q: How does Unitex Direct help your company accomplish its goals?
They provide us with great service, quick response, and high quality. I've not worked with a vendor who works as hard as Dan, Nancy and their staff in meeting customer needs. I've been very happy with the service I have received and appreciate their professionalism and commitment to excellence. Our officers are required by state statute to be in uniform and include the name of our organization to distinguish security organizations from law enforcement officers. Unitex provides Aegis Security Officers with a professional uniform adding to the professional appearance of our personnel.

Q: Tell us about what makes security in your area different from security in another region.
In the state of Florida, security officers are required to meet a 40-hour training requirement in order to be licensed. Florida leads the country as far as training requirements are concerned in order to ensure the safety of the public. There are quite a few states that do not require any training or the training required is minimal. In some states security officers are allowed to carry a firearm with little to no training, and in addition, some of those officers have arrest authority. So Florida is more demanding in the training and curriculum that the state mandates, and only licensed schools and instructors can teach the courses. These standards allow a more professionally trained individual enforcing company policies and procedures and looking out for public safety.

Q: You are highly involved in FASCO and other organizations. Why is being a member of these organizations important?
I'm involved to help educate people and organizations about the security industry and assist in moving legislation forward that will assist in enhancing the professionalism of the industry. Security has evolved tremendously in the post-9/11 environment, and our officers are becoming more involved in protection of assets and Homeland Security issues. The old "night watchman/guard" is gone and our people are required to be more professional, highly trained and informed. FASCO assists organizations with networking and finding solutions to problems experienced in our industry. I care about the security industry deeply and want to continue to fight for rights for our officers, customers and the public.

Q: What's your reaction to Florida's soon-to-be-enacted Guns at Work law and the Supreme Court's recent striking down of handgun restrictions?
This is a tough question as I own a firearm, which I am properly trained and licensed to carry, but I am also a security practitioner and understand the necessity to provide a safe environment for employees at work. One type of negative instance I can think of would relate to workplace violence issues. These types of scenarios occur when professional issues become personal and escalate. Having firearms too close to those types of instances can create an environment where there is not enough "cooling down" time, resulting in a possible catastrophic event. For every ounce of security precaution, there is a pound of inconvenience.

DoJ calls for Public Safety Officer Medal of Valor Nominations

The Department of Justice's Office of Justice Programs awards the Public Safety Officer Medal of Valor every year to select public safety officers from across the country. Nominations are currently being accepted for this prestigious medal. The medal is certified by the attorney general and presented by the President of the United States. The DoJ is seeking officers who have performed an act of exceptional courage while protecting and/or saving lives from June 1, 2007 to May 31, 2008. Nominations must be made by the employee's agency chief executive and are being accepted through July 31st. This is an excellent way to recognize your employees for their service and encourage future selfless acts! Even if your staff isn't selected as a recipient, the nomination can serve as a morale booster and recognition of a job well done.

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FASCO lobbies Florida Legislature for security members

The Florida Association of Security Companies (FASCO) is representing its member security agencies in supporting "Detain and Hold" legislation currently before the Florida legislature. The ability for licensed security officers to detain and hold criminal suspects would put them on par with off-duty law enforcement officers, who are currently receiving numerous security contracts partially because of their ability to perform these functions. In a separate measure, FASCO is supporting a challenge to the limitations on where Class G security officers may wear their firearms while on duty as well as supporting a bill that would deny dismissing a case because the arresting officer violated the law during the arrest.

FASCO has been very active in lobbying the Florida legislature for improved policies for all security industry agencies it represents. Unitex Direct is a proud member of FASCO and encourages all Florida security-related agencies and organizations to become members as well. We support those who are helping direct our laws and policies to be more beneficial to the security industry.

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Florida OKs
"Guns at Work" Law

A new law in Florida will allow employees with gun licenses to bring their firearms onto work property even without the employer's permission or knowledge. While the guns are limited to remaining in locked cars, it is still raising security and safety issues with employers and property owners who fear the gun allowances compromise their right to protect customers and other employees.

This potential change in Florida's gun laws brings up the importance of knowing your own state's gun laws. Your clients should be aware of what firearms and other weapons they can legally prohibit on their property, and your security officers should know what they can expect from employees and patrons. Unitex Direct recommends this website to check on laws in your state. Click the link below to read the full story about Florida's new Guns at Work law.

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