Allied Barton’s Security-guard Merger Reflects Changing Threats

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In addition to the seasonal workers, Jason Zigman said the company has an ongoing need for permanent employees — and currently has about 150 permanent jobs

Conshohocken based Allied Barton Security Services merged with former rival, Universal Services of America, earlier this week to create the nation’s largest provider of security guards, Allied Universal.

The merger brings together 140,000 employees and an annual revenue of $4.5 billion, according to an LA Times article by James F. Peltz. The company will keep headquarters in both Santa Ana and Conshohocken, PA.

Referred to as “security professionals” by the company, personnel are staffed at corporate, community, and commercial buildings nationwide.

According to Allied Universal’s chief executive, Steve Jones, security professionals control who enter and exit buildings, provide customer service to visiting guests, and deter criminal activity, including property damage.

The role of the guard is key to protecting employees and creating open communication with local police and law enforcement in the case of terrorist threat, an active shooter situation, natural disaster, or other criminal activity. As Jones says, “we’re securing buildings, we’re keeping people out of harm’s way, we’re responding to injured people.”

Qualifications for security personnel include a high school diploma or GED, and passing a background check and drug test. Ideal employees are retired professionals, individuals looking for a career in law enforcement, or retired military personnel.

The average annual salary is $35,000 to $45,000 per year for entry-level positions.

Ongoing threats of terrorism since September 11, 2001 have “dramatically changed the industry.” Security professionals are now required to take a course on terrorist threat during initial orientation.

The new merger “provides size, scale, [and strength] to deploy additional resources when needed.”

Beyond security staffing, Allied Universal boasts a quickly growing electronic security systems division, which supplies cameras, access-control systems, monitor alarms, and remote video monitoring systems.

Click here for the full story behind the Allied Barton merger in the Los Angeles Times.

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