Category: Current Events

Security Guard Training Schools in Austin Texas
August 31st, 2016 by TCTA admin

Texas Certified Training Academy is encouraging the public to report lack of training at schools for security officers in Texas

Too often you hear of security officers in the news committing senseless acts and making poor decisions that could have been avoided. Immediately following such an occurrence, authorities and media outlets covering these incidents inquire about what security guard training the officer received, if any at all, and which school conducted the instruction.

The average client or citizen would be amazed of how little security officers are trained; then, to have training academies or Instructors shorten or cut what little is left is unbelievable.

Glenn Jones – Security expert, says “All roads lead back to the training academies; they are the ones certified by the state and charged with the responsibility of ensuring the basic standards are being met.

They are also the ones being paid by their students or security companies to properly train their students. If Instructors don’t provide at least the minimum required by the state, the officer, employer, and their clients are let down and exposed to liability – a responsibly we take very seriously at TCTA.”

Security Guard Training – Investigation of Guard’s Training Occurs After Garage Shooting 

Many training academies and their Instructors have been caught cutting corners, shaving off major time from required classes, not following the state’s guidelines, and even graduating students regardless if they did not qualify at the range or pass the written exam.

As a matter of fact, TCTA has reported two schools and three Instructors for engaging in these acts which led to DPS investigations.

Bad security trainingWhy is this even occurring – who knows?

Maybe Instructors are lazy and lack proper training themselves or they’re trying to win more business by giving deals and so-called hook-ups; whatever the case, it has to be stopped and now!

The results of improperly vetted Instructors at security guard training academies –

When Instructors are not vetted too well from DPS or their own employer, you often find some that turn a program of education and training into a “certificate mill” for a fast buck.

They often Guard companies cutting cornerscut corners because they lack the real knowledge of being a teacher, or no longer care about what they are doing and see each student as a dollar sign and not someone who needs valuable training.

Some training academies outright give the answers to the state exam while others simply ignore shooting qualifications, allowing students to pass even if they fail this portion of training… That’s absurd!

Gun range qualifications

If a student can’t pass the range portion of the course, there should be no way on earth that student receives a level-3 certification.

When Instructors sign a certificate signifying that student passed and is safe to act in the capacity of an armed security officer, they have just falsified a state document and could face suspension and arrest.

So what’s needed?

Crime is increasing daily and as a result, security companies are receiving more and more calls requiring coverage. Why would a potential client hire a security provider whose guard force lacks training and could potentially be negligent to that client?

It only makes sense to have qualified officers who can cover accounts without jeopardizing their lives or the lives of others.

Any security guard training academy in Texas that passes their students just because they attended their school should be closed immediately. This industry cannot afford to have that level of incompetence.

 

How can improvements be made to security guard training academies in Texas

  1. DPS needs to thoroughly vet security training Instructors and put them through a training program as they do with LTC Instructors. “Just because a person was a prior police officer or ex-military does not automatically mean that person is a great teacher or runs a proper program or even cares about their job, so they need to be vetted and inspected more” says Glenn Jones.
  2. Raise the guard training program standards and required hours – some manuals were last updated in 1999 (i.e. the Level-4 manual as an example).
  3. DPS-RSD needs to develop with the aid of security experts (not civilians and troopers) but security experts a standard class with all the materials so each school is teaching the same exact class in the same manner without deviations.
  4. DPS-RSD needs to visit and sit through more training academies instead of focusing on the guard companies.

Texas Certified Training Academy takes pride in providing education to security officers throughout the state of Texas. We refuse to stand by and let a few “bad apples” hurt the guard industry by being lackadaisical.

Trying to win more business by letting students pass even when they fail is doing a disservice to the guards, the general public, and security clients. There’s just no way around this.

 

How can the public ensure qualified Instructors are at security guard training schools?

Report it to DPSWe are asking for help with stopping this fiasco. If you or someone you know has experienced an academy that is cutting corners by shorting hours required by the state of Texas, giving away answers to the state exam, or passing students that clearly fail shooting requirements, please contact Texas Department of Public Safety and report this immediately.

Whether it’s License to carry ltc classes, non-commission or commission classes, or security management courses, Instructors are (at minimum) expected to teach the basic guidelines given by the state.

If you are a security professional or considering pursuing a career in the field, contact Texas Certified Training Academy; the Instructors will provide hands-on experience, in-depth knowledge, and won’t cut corners.

For more information about training for security guards in Austin, Texas, click here

Posted in Current Events, DPS-RSD Policies, Training Tagged with: , , , , ,

August 5th, 2015 by TCTA admin

By the year 2022, more than approximately 129,000 security guard jobs will be added, per The Bureau of Labor Statistics. Individuals seeking a career in this field will not be met with complexities unless they have no idea how the security employment process works. security employment Texas

“What exactly should a person do to get hired as a security officer?” and “How can I ‘ace’ the interview process?” – These are questions that may arise when considering a job in this sector. Security industry Expert, Glenn Jones, in his new book, “Security Employment – a Straightforward Approach to the Guard Hiring Process,” answers these questions and much more.

Security employment opportunities

In an effort to deliver real value and a straight path forward to people considering pursuing a career as a security professional, Jones aims to assist individuals with what to look for and expect during the entire hiring process.

The key is successfully passing the application and interview process; not putting up any ‘red flags’ to interviewers, and getting employed. The book reveals all of this valuable information in a way that’s simple and easy to understand.

Security Employment

Some key points “Security Employment – a Straightforward Approach to the Guard Hiring Process” covers includes the following:

  • The inside scoop on what security employers look for in their new hires
  • Things to avoid in interviews and on applications – follow these tips and don’t worry about sending “Red Flags” to a potential employer
  • Probable reasons why a person wasn’t hired – that the company’s will never admit
  • What realistic expectations can a person have working in the security industry
  • The most important things to focus on when filling out an application and resume
  • What to keep in mind concerning appearance when interviewing, along with how to interact with the interviewer
  • How to have the best possible chance of being hired, and much, much more…

Security guard employment in Texas

There are a huge number of people like former military and law enforcement shifting to the security industry. There are also individuals seeking employment in this field as a means to supplement their current income.

Whatever the case, it behooves those seeking a career as a security professional to learn what is required to have a lasting career. No longer do you have to remain clueless because it has all been outlined here for you! Easy to follow steps

To obtain more information and purchase your copy of “Security Employment,” the book is available both as a Kindle PDF download from Amazon.com and in paperback edition available through Texas Certified Training Academy.

 

Posted in Current Events Tagged with: , , , ,

July 26th, 2015 by TCTA admin

guard training schoolsTexas Certified Training Academy

Crosses Milestone Successfully Training over 4,000 students in the Security Industry

AUTHORIZED PRESS RELEASE – July 21, 2015

There has never been such a demand and a legitimate need for well-trained security professionals from guards to bodyguards, and beyond. One resource that consistently wins praises training these professionals is Texas Certified Training Academy. Recently, the academy celebrated training over 4,000 students who have successfully entered the security industry.

Security guards and bodyguards are needed more than ever in the state of Texas, with new employment opportunities appearing every day. Many of these jobs aren’t just nine to five paychecks, but important positions that protect people’s lives and make a real difference in the world. Austin guard training - TCTA

This has left the security industry in real need of professional schools that can produce quality, well-trained, responsible guards. Answering the call has been Texas Certified Training Academy, an academy well known and respected for training high-level security professionals and bodyguards.

The academy, their students and the companies employing them, have all greeted this accomplishment with enthusiasm.

“While other schools develop guards, we develop security professionals,” commented a spokesperson from Texas Certified Training Academy. 

“There’s more of a need than ever and we understand that there’s a great responsibility in making sure everyone who graduates from our academy is well trained and prepared. It’s an all-around win/win for us, for our students and, most of all, for the companies they work for and the people or property they protect.”

According to the company, they are very proud to offer a number of different courses including: Non-Commission; Commission; Bodyguard; CHL; C.E.W.; Handcuffing; Pepper Spray; Baton Training; First Aid / CPR; and Advanced Weapons. New courses are often added and updated as required.

Guard training Austin

In Texas, the law is very strict in that all people performing a security role – uniformed or not – even if called a bouncer or other name, must have completed at least a non-commission security course, such as the one taught at Texas Certified Training Academy. It’s an arrestable offense to perform those job functions without the license.

Former students have praised their experience having taken courses at the academy.

Texas Certified Training Academy ReviewsJohn M., from Texas, recently said, “When I came home from the army I knew I wanted to be a security guard, but one who worked for quality companies. My friend suggested I come to Texas Certified Training Academy to get certified, and I’m glad I did.

I’ve turned my past experience and certificates into very good jobs and my career just keeps getting better and better. Five stars and highly recommended. This is the place to go to for someone seriously considering a job in security in Texas, without any doubt at all.”

Security Guard Training at TCTA

Courses are scheduled very frequently at the academy and private lessons for certification are also available to interested students. All rates are some of the lowest available in the entire state.

Affordable Security Training in Austin

For more information on guard training and what security professional development they have to offer, be sure to visit Texas Certified Training Academy.

Posted in Current Events, Training Tagged with: , ,

July 24th, 2015 by TCTA admin

Texas Certified Training Academy Reviews

TCTA Expresses Gratitude for Passionate Security Guard Students of our School

With the need for security guards and bodyguards on the rise in Texas, it’s no surprise many people would be exploring where the best place is to take the required courses and become certified. One name sure to come up is Texas Certified Training Academy who offers a long list of security guard, bodyguard and related courses at reasonable rates.

Backing up the company’s claims of being one of the best guard schools in the nation is a long list of TCTA reviews from past students praising the academy for the head start it’s given them in a growing profession that matters.

Security Training Austin

Security Expert, Glenn Jones (Left)

“We take our responsibility very seriously,” remarked Glenn J., General Manager at TCTA. “We are training people to enter an industry where their skills could save someone’s life or property. 

Fortunately, our team is stacked with very experienced Instructors from Law Enforcement and military backgrounds who know what it takes to succeed as a security guard or bodyguard; and they do their best to pass this knowledge on; it’s a win-win for everyone concerned. We couldn’t be more grateful to our past students who have recommended our academy to others, and given us such wonderful feedback.”

This sense of professionalism isn’t lost on students who have been quick to praise it on Yelp, when reviewing the academy. However, Yelp often screens or filters great reviews from non-paying businesses – many businesses and well known articles have stated – so look for the “not recommend” reviews at the bottom of the Yelp page. 

Yelp feedback “TCTA will NOT pay to play with Yelp and if that means all of our good reviews continue to be filtered, so be it” -says Glenn. “They have approached us several times and highly encouraged us to pay for an enhanced business listing- we said no, and all of our positive reviews remain at the bottom and filtered – go figure.” 

Businesses being bullied by Yelp

Great Reviews about Texas Certified Training Academy 

“The Texas Certified Training Academy deserves more than Five Stars. I’ve attended the Level II, Level III, Level IV, OC, First Aid, and Advanced Firearms Courses. Every Instructor was extremely professional, skilled and an expert in their field. This academy is exceeding the state training requirements and preparing Private Security Officers to succeed. I cannot imagine that there is any other academy that is providing so much training at this very reasonable cost. 

IReviews for TCTA did the research before I chose this academy and I glad to have attended these classes. I am lucky enough to have many years of experience in the security industry, but these courses have made me more valuable, prepared and marketable. If you are looking to invest into a new career and yourself, this is the Academy to choose.” commented Daniel N., from Hutto, TX in a five star Yelp review. 

“I used Texas Certified Training Academy for three certifications. I found the Instructors to be knowledgeable and prepared for each class. The required instructional material was handled in a professional manner; the firearms training was realistic with additional maneuvers that provided beneficial experience. The self-defense training was excellent. I do not feel that anything useful was left out of the courses.” Ken F. (prior Law Enforcement Officer) from Austin, Texas also agreed in his own Yelp review.

In just over six years, Texas Certified Training Academy has graduated over 4,000 students; an incredible number to prepare to enter into the security and bodyguard fields by themselves and a testament to the school’s professionalism and reputation. 

Most of these students have quickly found positions in the Texas security world, steadily building the academy a very good reputation with employers looking for quality guards. This has certainly added to the Texas Certified Training Academy reviews praising their programs, since their TCTA graduation has helped many get good jobs in the field more easily.

TCTA Testimonials

Texas Certified Training Academy Testimonials

“I came to Yelp to get some quick contact information for (yet another) recommendation to a current employee of mine and I’m amazed at the two negative reviews. I took a class with Glenn a couple of years ago and was so impressed that I still recommend him highly to anyone who asks.

I have taken classes all over Central and North Texas during my years in the security industry and I still maintain that Glenn’s class was the most informative training I have received. I’m now Operations Manager for a security company in the Austin area and get questions quite often from employees wanting to pursue additional licensing or training.

I always give them TCTA’s information and I have yet to hear from anyone who was anything other than completely impressed with the depth of subject matter and the quality of training. When I interview job candidates who have received training there I always know that at the very least, they have been properly exposed to the most important and basic fundamentals of safety and security. Not so with most training academies around.

It is unfortunate that most Instructors just pass trainees through and take the money. TCTA has an honest interest in turning out security officers that have the training to make good decisions and improve the industry.” Rebecca W., an Austin-Texas based security professional who is also a graduate of TCTA observed in her own review on Yelp, commenting on a poor review that appeared to be from a shill account, a problem Yelp faces too often, unfortunately.

positive feedback for TCTAIn addition to Yelp, TCTA reviews have been positive across nearly every other forum that looks at security guard training in Texas, including the industry-specific PrivateSecurityReviews.com, well-known for its uncensored feedback.

 “I took the Level 3 and Level 4 with Texas Certified Training Academy. They know training and customer service. I will continue to take classes with them. All the Instructors were very knowledgeable. I would highly recommend them to anyone.” Keith Payne (another prior Law Enforcement Officer), recently said on Private Security Reviews.com in another five star review.

For people considering entering the security or bodyguard fields in Texas, an informed decision of what school to attend is a wise one. Based on the combination of the huge number of students successfully graduated and working in the industry, plus the remarkable number of pieces of passionate feedback for the academy online, Texas Certified Training Academy seems like a better choice than ever.

Security and Bodyguard Training in Austin, Texas

Click here for more information about testimonials and reviews of Texas Certified Training Academy. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Posted in Current Events Tagged with: , , , ,

Texas open carry law
July 3rd, 2015 by TCTA admin

What, if anything, can you do as a security officer once the Texas open carry law goes into effect? As you may or may not know, the state of Texas recently passed legislation that allows open carrying of firearms in public areas which takes effect beginning January 1, 2016. Texas open carry law

This is in addition to the state of Texas already allowing many to carry concealed handguns legally after a short course and license. That being said, it’s safe to say there is definitely no shortage of firearms legally being carried by citizens at any given time throughout the state of Texas.

Soon, you will see armed citizens with exposed firearms walking down the street in mass numbers or maybe even sitting next to you at local restaurants.

How will Texas open carry law affect security officers?

From a gun rights and Constitutional Second Amendment standpoint, these changes in laws surely are a good thing; however, many security agencies, police departments, and businesses grow concerned as to how all this will play out come January.

While businesses and security agencies do not want to interfere in a person’s right to bear arms, there is a concern when armed citizens arrive on a property and “outgun” the security staff, especially when the security guards are unarmed.

Something to Ponder: Criminal minded people will be among the law abiding citizens carrying firearms… how will security be able to differentiate between the two?

A citizen that is demonstrating “open carry” does not automatically mean this person is safe, has been drug tested, mentally evaluated, is not drunk, under medication, etc. While allowing an “unknown person” to enter your property armed to later find out that he or she has criminal intentions, places any security staff at a major disadvantage and often, too far behind the reactionary gap before you even notice something has gone wrong.

Texas open carry law and your property

Open carry law and businesses

It might be too late, as you now have an active shooter in your building when you thought he was just a nice citizen exercising his right to open carry.

Question: What can security officers do if Clients do not want firearms on their property?

TCTA’s Answer: You can have anyone removed from “Private Property” at any time, for any reason under TPC 30.05 – Criminal Trespassing (Class B Misdemeanor) – regardless if they are armed or not; it has nothing to do with Constitutional rights at this point.

You are an “Agent of the Owner” (legal term), by nature of your agreement or contract with the owner, and possess the right to have that person leavTexas Security guards and open carry lawe on the owner’s behalf (note: Owner can also be a corporation or business).

This is in addition or in the absence of a TPC 30.06 sign (notice) or a red 51% sign at some locations. Straight Trespass as per TPC 30.05 keeps everyone and anyone away for any reason. They have now added a TPC 30.07 section for open carry requiring businesses to now display both and in English and Spanish. 

Special note: a verbal warning is sufficient under this code to warn the offender prior to an arrest.

Some will argue that your Private Property is “Open to the Public” and therefore they can be on the premises. This is FALSE. You need to inform all parties that there is a big difference between Public Property and “Open to the Public.”

Example: Walmart is open to the public for anyone to come and shop but it is owned by a private corporation, not the city, county, or federal government. Not only Walmart (the store), but their entire parking lot is also considered private property, so trespassing would still apply if you or your client want to go down that road.

For more information on Trespassing, visit our Contact page.

For direct information put out by DPS-RSD from their site, here is the link to the Open Carry post they provided:  DPS-Open Carry

 

 

 

Posted in Current Events, Laws & Regulations, Training Tagged with: , , , ,

June 1st, 2015 by TCTA admin

Have you ever wondered just how thorough of a background check is conducted of security guards? Did you ever think just maybe the guard on your property may have a criminal background? Is it possible the state of Texas is allowing and licensing convicted criminals to work in the security industry? Are criminals working security guard jobs?

Short answer: Yes… and possibly working on your property right now!

Guard companies hiring ex-felonsDPS-RSD will allow and license convicted criminals and non-Us citizens to work security. It is true. If you are a convicted felon and your crime is over ten years, the state of Texas will license you with no problem. If you have a misdemeanor conviction which is over five years, the state of Texas will license you to work security and safeguard people and properties – jaw dropping huh…

Criminals working in security

 

Security companies that claim they do background checks mostly rely on the state’s finding; they generally don’t go any further. Statistics show that repeat offenders in the U.S., commit crimes again – hence, the terminology “repeat offenders.”

Why these low standards exist in the security industry of all places is unknown; many would agree, it should not be taking place in an industry where the guards are providing services at all types of locations to include: Daycares, retirement homes, apartment complexes, banks, jewelry stores – and mostly unsupervised themselves… kind of risky right/

When a client is contracting with a security agency they assume and are told that background checks are done, and that every guard showing up on their property is “clean as a whistle;” sadly, that this is not true and a large number of guards working in the industry have criminal records.

If we want the image of security to be taken seriously and pay to increase, this has to change and the industry’s image must be cleaned up. Guard companies are aware of this, as they are employing these individuals often for low wages, therefore they want to remain silent on the issue.

Security companies hire felonsfelons hired as security

Question for Guard Companies:

What is your plan when an incident occurs which involves your employee who is a convicted felon? What will be your statement to the media or your client? Think about it for a minute: either way you answer the question regarding your knowledge of a convicted felon makes your company look bad.

Hypothetical Answer #1: “We thought he was fine because DPS does the background checks. We had no idea.” This is not a good answer, as a company is supposed to conduct their own background checks also – at least that is what most guard companies advertise on their websites and literature, to include DPS requires it. This answer makes you look negligent, untrustworthy, and as if you provide false advertising.

Hypothetical Answer #2: “Yes, we knew he was a convicted felon but DPS cleared him.” This answer is not good either, as you are admitting to placing a convicted felon on a client’s property without notifying them; your clients would have grounds for a lawsuit should an incident occur. This answer, like the prior one, makes you look negligent, incompetent, and places the clients in jeopardy, to include your company’s reputation.

While recommendations are being sent to the Board, we suggest educating the general public about the standards of this industry and how your company is different. Offer proof of drug tests and criminal backgrounds of your staff to your clients; this will drive the other guard companies hiring felons out of business. It does a client no good to show them what nice uniforms or patrol vehicles you have when a convicted felons are representing you and your clients.

Convicted felons work as security officers

Did you know?

convicted felons working security jobsEx-felons cannot possess a firearm and cannot work as a Commissioned officer or a Level-4 Bodyguard (as a Commissioned license must be possessed with the Level-4), so most remain as a non-commissioned Level-2 (unarmed guard) for that exact reason.

Ex-felons cannot take the Level-3 class for educational purposes, as they cannot not possess the firearm required to complete the course. Additionally (by state law), ex-felons cannot wear body armor; this clearly exemplifies even further why convicted criminals shouldn’t pursue this particular industry.

Security clients across the state who “assume” all their guards have a clean background would be shocked and horrified to learn they might have an ex-felon or guard with a criminal background on their property working right now. This should be addressed immediately!

Why security associations such as ASSIST, DPS, Homeland Security, the Governor’s office and the Board, have not brought this issue to the forefront remains a mystery. The security industry cries for the public’s trust and to be seen and paid as professionals, but how professional can you be with known criminals working for your company?

Hundreds of people have asked “How do we raise the pay, trust, and standards in the guard industry?” The answer (which every security company already knows), is ignored or not welcomed, is to first clean up their ranks and terminate convicted criminals, then stop hiring new ones.

Secondly, embrace training and stop running from it or just doing the minimum (this goes for the companies and the guards). Implement 100% drug tests with 100% MMPI’s across the board at all levels.

And lastly, if more security companies learned to work together, they could collectively address some issues with DPS-RSD as a large group; associations are awesome but if they have no bark or bite with the state, they are useless. When ASSIST contacts the state or DPS, they should send as much fear and have as much respect as the ACLU or the NAACP when they come knocking, but clearly they do not, which is another issue to address at a later date.

For more information about ex-felons working in the security sector, contact TCTA.

 

 

 

Posted in Current Events, DPS-RSD Policies Tagged with: , , , , , ,

January 1st, 2015 by TCTA admin

Texas Certified Training Academy Celebrates 6 Years in Business Training the State’s Best Security Guards and Bodyguards

Authorized press release: January 1st, 2015

With the need for security and bodyguards greater than ever, especially in the state of Texas, it’s no surprise a professional school for producing these agents is in high demand. Texas Certified Training Academy offers just that kind of training. Recently, the academy celebrated its sixth year in business and couldn’t be happier! training schools in Austin

Being a security guard or bodyguard is not just a job to take likely, but is in fact, very serious business. This makes the responsibility of training professionals in this field a real one – considering (in many cases), the guards will be protecting people’s lives, as the first line of defense against potential danger.

In Texas, TCTA has received extensive praise for their work producing exceptionally highly-trained and responsible security guards and bodyguards who have gone on to work in a huge number of different agencies successfully.

Training for security guards

Recently, the academy was happy to celebrate their sixth year in business serving the state of Texas since 2009, with the remarkable accomplishment of having an injury and incident free record the entire time.

Instructors of TCTA, having prior military and law enforcement experience and backTraining for security guards Austingrounds, pride themselves on delivering outstanding training value to all of their students.

“It has always been a pleasure to give back to this industry and pass on my experience to others seeking to become a security professional,” commented Senior Instructor and General Manager Glenn Jones.

“We look forward to providing many more years of phenomenal service to the dedicated men and women who serve the private sector.”

Licensed security training school

guard training in Austin Texas According to the company, Texas Certified Training Academy is a state licensed security training school with board licensed Instructors who possess deep experience in giving some of the best security training in the industry.

A long list of courses are offered including: Commission, Non-commission, Bodyguard, CHL, C.E.W., Pepper Spray, Hand cuffing, Baton training, First Aid/CPR and advanced weapons.

For potential students who would like to discuss which courses are most appropriate to meet their individual needs, TCTA always has a professional ready to answer any questions as best they can.

Both group classes, which are scheduled frequently, as well as private training (which can be set up at the most convenient time for students), are offered at the academy.

Past students who are now working in the security industry have not hesitated to give their endorsements of the TCTA.

testimonials for TCTA

Chris C. from Texas, recently said, “I’m a veteran, and having going to college briefly, I realized it wasn’t for me. One of my friends who was also in the Army had gone to TCTA and had a great paying job in security. I followed his lead, took the training, and it was really a great decision. I started off working at a job that was very good and now a year later I’m working at one that I really love. It’s nice to know also, my experience from the military is being used to help keep Americans safe here. I recommend TCTA highly to anyone considering security work.”

To receive training or more information about licensed security training schools in Austin, visit TCTA

 

 

Posted in Current Events Tagged with: , , , ,

September 3rd, 2011 by TCTA admin

While trying to raise the standards within the security industry and provide a great service for its officers, our following encounter was disappointing from persons whom advertise to be “professionals” and want you to trust in them.

What is the world coming to when those that are supposed to be teaching classes on ethics and professionalism violate copyright laws among a few other civil actionable laws, to include a few DPS-RSD code of conduct and ethic violations? As any good sales or business person should do, we were checking out similar businesses in the state to compare what we offer and what they offer.

“It makes us question their testing and training standards”-TCTA 

To our surprise, we found a training academy in San Antonio, Texas using content (entire page of our website to include course outline, experience, etc. They did not just copy a picture, sentence, or paragraph, they copied and pasted an entire page as is  (specifically our Bodyguard training page) – a training class they offered but for some reason needed our content to lure in their students.  What was disappointing is that they are apparently (according to their site) law enforcement and prior military, but for some reason they did not have enough knowledge or experience in the industry to develop their own course information and/or program. In a way it is a compliment to use our ideas and website to sell your security training class while also acknowledging that we are professionals and know our stuff; but it is still insulting to steal from us and a copyright infringement as we told their owner/senior instructor.

This brings up a valid point while shopping around for
training and even security services in general.

It seems everyone is playing the old “Military Veteran” and or “Police Experience” name drop game to build trust with customers that generally don’t question anything. We all have to keep in mind that just because someone was in the military or police department does not tell you want type of officer they were while on the department and/or what type of soldier they were while in the military (both don’t mean they are great instructors by the way). We also don’t know what their exact job or duties were while throwing out prior titles, so don’t be afraid to ask detailed questions – they should not have any issues providing that information. Some ex-military/ex-law enforcement officers are found within the industry to not even have the experience they state or advertise, or even worse have been terminated or forced to resign from a department – so that renders any stated experience in my book void. 

After a few email exchanges with their owner “Brain” and promises of civil action and DPS-RSD notification, they (the S.A. school) removed our copied pages (stolen work) immediately. That’s great they corrected it so quickly (however, we still have the screen shot which we use in our ethics class), but sad it was done in the first place. Of course the “webmaster” was blamed, but why weren’t the owners, managers, and instructors generating their own original content like we do (which is relying on our real experience) instead of relying on a webmaster? My suspicion is the “webmaster” was the person I was in contact with (aka-instructor/owner); again, very sad and very unprofessional.

TCTA takes pride in the classes we put together, the time and cost to provide such a school and program to the industry, along with this being our source of income – as such we take any copyright, plagiarism, or theft of our products or work very seriously. Not only will we take legal action but we will ensure others know about it.  

Posted in Current Events Tagged with: ,