|
An audit released by the Houston City Controller's
Office indicates that some of the guards providing
security at Houston City Hall and two other city-owned
buildings may not meet the minimum standards required
by the contract.
This audit was conducted to determine if Pinkerton
Security Services (now doing business as Securitas)
has complied with the requirements of its contract
with the city. Auditors reviewed a sample of security
guard personnel files. "What we found causes one to
question the level of security being provided at City
Hall," said Judy Gray Johnson, Houston City Controller.
The security guards are supposed to be at least 21
years age, have a high school diploma or Graduate
Equivalency Diploma (GED), not have a felony conviction
and not have been dishonorably discharged from the
military. In addition, they must have at least six
months previous security experience and have completed
a minimum amount of training. Just 12 of the 59 personnel
files reviewed by the auditors contained proof that
all the requirements had been met. In many of the
files, there was no documentation to prove the guards
had completed the required training and undergone
adequate background checks. "Visitors to these buildings
and city employees place their safety in the hands
of these guards. They and the taxpayers who are paying
for this service deserve more peace of mind," said
Johnson.
This was one of three service contract compliance
audits conducted recently by the Controller's Office.
The two previous reviews found no significant instances
of non-compliance. In fact, auditors commended the
Aviation and Public Works and Engineering Departments
for their oversight and monitoring of contractor services
related to fleet vehicle maintenance and sidewalk
and street sweeping.
|
