The Wild West of Private Security Guards

2024-04-03

A disclaimer: this episode contains descriptions of violence and mentions sexual assault.In gas stations, bars and shops in the city, it’s not uncommon to see private security guards, some openly carrying large firearms. But a recent investigation by The Philadelphia Inquirer found that Pennsylvania has some of the most archaic laws in the country governing the private security industry. Guards may receive little training or oversight, leading to injuries, lawsuits, and even deaths. Executive producer L...

A disclaimer: this episode contains descriptions of violence and mentions sexual assault.

In gas stations, bars and shops in the city, it’s not uncommon to see private security guards, some openly carrying large firearms. But a recent investigation by The Philadelphia Inquirer found that Pennsylvania has some of the most archaic laws in the country governing the private security industry. Guards may receive little training or oversight, leading to injuries, lawsuits, and even deaths. Executive producer Laura Benshoff speaks with Samantha Melamed, investigative reporter with the Inquirer, about this wild west scenario and what needs to change to make the public—and guards—safer.

Read Samantha’s full story here.

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