a Cut-throat industry…
Friends and neighbors,
I had a fascinating conversation with a fellow security company owner here in Spokane. I had previously reached out with the intention of working together, referring them any business that we couldn’t staff, possibly conducting joint training, and furthering our impact on the community, together. What you may not know, is that the security industry in Spokane is a cutthroat place full of morally and ethically bankrupt companies who are only out for profit. This company has up to this point, been the only other agency I would feel comfortable associating myself with here in town.
This conversation was interesting for a few reasons; I learned that this agency has plans to be the king of the hill in Spokane. In fact the exact wording was “I will be ruthless to get those [client] accounts”. There’s just one problem with that...their model is not one of protection. While some of their officers do carry firearms, they do not place the defense of people (their clients) from violence as the highest priority. As someone who has experienced incredible violence on the streets of my beloved Spokane, this is tragic and unfortunate.
Our community has experienced increased violence in recent years. In fact, Spokane's violent crime rate is higher than both the state and national averages. Statistically, this means that anyone who spends any amount of time in our city has a 1 in 140 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime. In theory, you could experience violence two times in one year. I don't know about you, but I don’t like those odds. This company owner stated that he doesn’t want his officers to “pretend to be the police” or “look like the police” and I get it. I don’t want that for my officers either. There is, however, a way to operate with the safety of your clients in mind and differentiate yourself from law enforcement clearly.
Our vehicles have our company name and “security” written prominently on them. They are not the model of car used by SPD, and our uniforms are black over grey with our company name, unique badge, and shoulder patches. When my officers are on patrol somewhere and violence is occurring, I want people to see them and know that they can (and will) assist. Other companies, like the one I talked to today are only permitted to call 911.
The bottom line is this, Columbia Protection is now, and will likely remain, the only option for professional protective services in Spokane. We will always be willing to partner with respectable companies should they emerge, but we will not in-fight for clients, degrade our industry, or sacrifice protection.