Originally Posted by
TGS
The vast majority of private security firms don't really have UOF training. They act as more of a "talent pool", if you will. Caveat: I have no idea about Pinkerton.
You go to XYZ Security with a certification class and private detective/security guard license under your belt that, A) fulfills a given state's requirement for licensed security guards and, B) the company deems appropriate for the position you're looking to fill, and bada-bing-bada-boom...you're on the job, and bounce from contract to contract. The security company doesn't really have anything to do with it other than putting bodies in slots as the client deems appropriate.
Companies with standardized in-house training are fairly rare unless they're doing it as part of a client's requirement, such as DHS's Federal Protective Service guard contract requirements, US State Department's Worldwide Protective Services' contract, DOE SPO1/2/3 contracts, etc. As far as I know, Gavin de Becker & Associates is one of the only companies that has a robust in-house training program on their own volition. For many smaller contracts like personal protection, the guns will be owned by the individual, not the company or client. That can also depend on the state, such as New Jersey which prohibits company guns and requires the individual licensed security guard to own their piece.
So, usually what you end up with is prior police or .mil working a protection job with 1-3, maybe 5 days of very basic, frankly low-end training. I have no idea how this guy and his apparent lack of background was working this type of job....it's entirely possible that we're looking at incorrect information right now. It's the errornet, after all.