DALLAS TX: The fatal shooting of security guard Anthony Egeonu, 39, at a CVS Pharmacy in downtown Dallas has once again underscored the dangers faced by private security personnel. Egeonu, a husband and father of three, was shot after confronting two shoplifters at the store in the 1400 block of Main Street just after 11 p.m. on Friday. The suspects, both juveniles, fled the scene but were later taken into custody by Dallas police.
While justice will hopefully prevail in this case, the incident raises larger concerns about the safety of security guards and the growing pressures they face in an increasingly volatile environment.
A Growing Trend of Violence Against Security Guards
Security guards across North America are regularly tasked with protecting communities, often working alone, in high-risk environments, and for low wages. With the opioid epidemic reaching crisis levels, homelessness on the rise, and economic instability driving more individuals to desperate measures, guards in retail locations such as CVS are facing unprecedented challenges.
Legislators across the continent must take note of this troubling trend and address the systemic issues that put private security personnel in harm’s way. Should guards at high-risk locations like pharmacies and retail stores be working alone? Are they adequately trained and equipped to handle the threats they encounter daily?
Addressing the Training Gap
Public police forces are required to meet rigorous training standards, which are often lacking in the private security sector. Every state and province mandates extensive training for law enforcement, covering de-escalation tactics, crisis intervention, and defensive strategies, skills that could be adapted and implemented for security guards. Unfortunately, security guards often receive minimal training before being deployed to the front lines of crime and disorder.
Training academies and law enforcement facilities, which are not always in use, could serve as hubs for continuous training for security guards, providing them with the tools needed to better protect themselves and the communities they serve.
Policing, in its early days, was a community-driven effort, with citizens working together to maintain safety. Modern policing, while essential, has become stretched thin due to budget constraints and rising crime rates. The partnership between public and private policing could offer a valuable solution to bridge the gaps in community safety.
Bridging the Divide Between Public and Private Security
As an industry insider, I’ve seen firsthand the competition and politics that exist between private security firms, underbidding each other for contracts, and public police services that often view themselves as superior to security professionals. This disjointed approach creates an environment where criminals can exploit jurisdictional gaps and inefficiencies, similar to the classic trope of escaping justice by crossing state lines.
However, since September 11th, we have seen significant improvements in cooperation among government agencies and police forces, with joint task forces and tiger teams working together to combat criminal threats. It’s time to extend that same level of cooperation to private security forces.
With enhanced training, fair wages, and closer collaboration with law enforcement, the hundreds of thousands of security guards across North America, many of whom narrowly missed careers in policing due to minor setbacks, could be transformed into an invaluable asset. From physical fitness limitations to minor past infractions, these individuals possess skills and dedication that could be utilized more effectively in community policing efforts.
A Call to Action for Lawmakers and Businesses
If we expect security guards to protect our communities, it is time to invest in their safety and professional development. Legislators and business owners should work together to:
1. Implement higher training standards based on law enforcement models.
2. Establish cooperative information-sharing between security firms and police departments.
3. Increase wages and benefits to attract and retain skilled personnel.
4. Provide mental health support and crisis intervention training to security professionals facing difficult situations daily.
Ultimately, stronger public-private cooperation could mean safer communities and better protection for businesses and residents alike.
Looking Ahead
For consumers, the presence of security guards at retail stores should provide reassurance, not serve as a reminder of the growing dangers of everyday shopping. No one should have to worry about their safety while buying essentials like razor blades or laundry detergent.
Anthony Egeonu’s tragic death must serve as a turning point in the conversation about private security. Our communities depend on these individuals to deter crime and ensure safety, and it’s time they receive the support, training, and recognition they deserve.
The Guard Desk will continue to monitor developments on this case and the broader issues facing security professionals across North America.