Security-guard certification bill on hold

Lawmakers have put on hold a bill that proposes to do away with requiring security guard certification for ticket-takers and bag-checkers employed for special events.

Members of the Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Standing Committee voted to hold SB71 out of concern that it could lead to increased potential for terrorist attack at events, such as concerts.

The bill's sponsor, Sen. Gene Davis, D-Salt Lake City, said the bill would open up employment for security companies and not require those employed to take tickets and check bags at events to be trained and certified as security guards, which includes criminal background checks.

Kevin Bruder with Centennial Management, which provides security for the E Center, USANA Amphitheater and the West Valley Cultural Center, said certifying those charged with taking tickets and checking bags does not make sense since they also hire police officers and trained security guards already. Bruder added that his company also conducts background checks on their employees.

However, some lawmakers expressed concern that doing away with the requirement would encourage security companies to simply hire anyone off the street without doing any background check.

Sen. Patrice Arent, D-South Cottonwood, said she would not feel comfortable knowing that a possible felon is handling her handbag.

Representatives of security guard associations testified that such people are an important "first line of defense" against the possibility of a terrorist attack.

Clyde Orman, manager of the security licensing program for the Utah Division of Professional Licensing, said although DOPL is officially neutral on SB71, they do think there would be an unknown public safety impact.

Arent said although Centennial Management may have a policy in conducting criminal background checks, the committee could not trust that other companies would take such steps unless required to.

"Prior to 9/11, I'd have no problem with this," said committee chairman Sen. Chris Buttars, R-West Jordan.

The committee voted to hold the bill but did not indicate if or when it would revisit it again before the end of the legislative session.

---

E-mail: gfattah@desnews.com