found this on craigslist.com

[lunchbox]

has anyone ever heard of this company


Background:

Global Security Associates (GSA) is engaged by Hospital Corporation of America (HCA) to provide ad hoc security services at its facilities across the US. GSA provides supplemental security support when threat conditions at specific facilities may be increased as a result of terrorism, crime and/or natural disasters.

Primary Responsibilities:

The responsibility of the ERT Member is to provide security guarding and support services at the assigned HCA facility. The primary responsibility of the ERT Member will be to secure the facility perimeter, but may include other duties and responsibilities.

In order to provide this service, the ERT Member must maintain a state of readiness in anticipation of being deployed on short notice. The ERT Member will ensure that updated contact information is provided to the GSA Corporate Office at all times. The ERT Member will ensure that he/she is able to respond and deploy on short notice by having equipment and personal effects ready at all times.




Duties:

1. ERT Member will be activated by means of a phone call from the GSA ERT Duty Officer. The ERT Duty Officer will liaise with the ERT Member regarding availability and deployment schedules and location.

2. ERT Member will commence preparations for deployment by taking care of personal obligations and notifications.

3. ERT Member will ensure that personal equipment has been securely packed in readiness for deployment (See Annex 2 for packing notes).

4. ERT Member will be notified by ERT Duty Officer of air travel arrangements made for deployment. ERT Member will need to make own arrangements for local transport to departing airport.

5. ERT Member will commence travel to assignment location.

6. ERT Member will establish contact with ERT Team Leader upon arrival at destination airport and coordinate next moves.

7. Should ERT Member be unable to reach ERT Team Leader, he/she must immediately contact GSA ERT Duty Officer.

8. Should ERT Member in any way be delayed with travel/response to site, he/she must immediately notify his/her ERT Team Leader or the GSA ERT Duty Officer.

9. ERT Member will be met and briefed by the ERT Team Leader upon arrival at assigned location on work schedules, work duties, communications protocol, equipment standards and life support (accommodations, food, drink, etc).

10. ERT Member will commence and execute duties / post orders and follow the direction of the ERT Team Leader at all times.

11. ERT Member will remain on post and execute duties in accordance with ERT Team Leader instruction at all times unless relieved or authorized to stand down by the ERT Team Leader.

12. ERT Team Member must complete a Security Incident Report for any security related incidents, breaches, attempted breaches, etc.

13. ERT Member will complete a time sheet for the hours worked and hand to the ERT Team Leader upon completion of assignment.


Uniform: Black or Khaki Cargo Pants
Black or Khaki Boots or Shoes
GSA ERT T-Shirt (supplied at assignment location).
Required Training:
• Firearm Handling, Tactics & Legality Training
• GSA Use of Force Policy (See Annex 1)
• Post Order Review & Acknowledgement
Equipment & Supplies:
• Personal Equipment List (See Annex2)
• Copy of this Post Order
• Incident Report Forms (Annex 3)
• GSA Time Sheet
• Emergency Contact List (See Annex 4)
Shift Times:
• Assigned upon arrival at Response Location by ERT Team Leader.
• Anticipate 12 hour shifts.
Special Instructions:
• Team Leader will brief Firearm Safety Protocol for each assignment.



Annex 1

USE OF FORCE AND DEADLY FORCE POLICY

I. POLICY

It is the policy of the Global Security Associates to provide Agents with guidelines for the use of force and deadly force in accordance with the local Jurisdiction in which they operate unless that policy is less restrictive than the policy outlined below:

This policy applies to all Agents and part-time Agents engaged in the discharge of official duties.

II. DEFINITIONS

A. Non-Deadly Force: all force used by an Agent that does not have the purpose of causing, nor create a substantial risk of causing, death or great bodily harm.

B. Deadly Force: all use of force techniques used by an Agent that the Agent knows, or reasonably should know, creates a substantial risk of causing death or great bodily harm. The intentional discharge of a firearm in the direction of another person, or at a vehicle in which another person is believed to be, constitutes deadly force.

C. Great Bodily Harm: bodily injury which creates a high probability of death, or which causes serious, permanent disfigurement, or which causes a permanent or protracted loss or impairment of the function of any bodily member or organ or other serious bodily harm.

D. Weapon: any instrument used, or designed to be used, to apply force to the person of another.

E. Approved Weapon: a device or instrument which an Agent has received permission from Global Security to carry and use in the discharge of that Agent’s duties, and for which the Agent has:

 obtained training in the technical, mechanical and physical aspects of the device; and
 developed a knowledge and understanding of the law, rules and regulations regarding the use of such weapons.

F. Impact Weapons: objects and instruments that are used, or are designed to be used, to apply force to the person of another by coming into physical contact with that person.

G. Chemical Agents: chemical irritants including CN/Chloracetophenone, OC/Oleoresin Capsicum, CS/Orthocholorobenzalmalononitrile or combinations of these chemical agents.

H. Electronic Incapacitation Devices: a portable device which is designed or intended by the manufacturer to be used, offensively or defensively, to temporarily immobilize or incapacitate persons by means of electric pulse or current.

III. PROCEDURE

A. Use of Deadly Force
It is the policy of this agency to accord Agents discretion in the use of force to the extent permitted by local statues, which authorizes Agents acting in the line of duty to use deadly force only when necessary to:

1. protect the Agent or another from apparent death or great bodily harm;

An Agent may use deadly force only when the Agent reasonably believes that the action is in defense of human life, including the officer's own life, or in defense of any person in immediate danger of serious physical injury

If feasible, an Agent should give a verbal warning before using or attempting to use deadly force.

B. Use of Non-Deadly Force
It is the policy of this agency to accord Agents discretion in the use of non-deadly force to the extent permitted by local Statutes which allows Security agents the use of non-deadly force in:

 effecting a lawful arrest; or
 the execution of legal process; or
 enforcing an order of the court; or
 executing any other duty imposed upon the Agent by law.

In determining the degree of force that is reasonable under the circumstances, Agents should consider:

 the severity of the crime at issue;
 whether the suspect poses an immediate threat to the safety of the Agents or others; and
 whether the suspect is actively resisting detention or attempting to evade detention by flight.

C. General Rules Governing Use of Force

1. Agents should use the least amount of force reasonably necessary to accomplish the intended objective without impairing the safety of others. This provision should not be construed to require Agents to first attempt using types and degrees of force that reasonably appear to be inadequate to accomplish the intended objective.

2. Protracted hand-to-hand combat may be harmful to the public safety, the safety of the Agent, and the safety of the person being arrested or captured. Accordingly, it shall be deemed reasonable for Agents to use that type and degree of non-deadly force necessary to bring a subject whom the Agent intends to detain or capture quickly under control.

3. Agents will carry and use only approved weapons unless circumstances exist which pose an imminent threat to the safety of the Agent or the public requiring the immediate use of a non-approved weapon to counter such a threat. This provision should not be construed as authorizing Agents to use a non-approved weapon where, under the circumstances, it would be feasible to procure approval for use of the particular weapon prior to its use.

4. No Agent will modify, alter or cause to be altered an approved weapon in his or her possession or control.

5. Displays of Firearms - firearms may be readied for use in situations where it is reasonably anticipated that they may be required.

6. Threatening the Use of Force - an Agent may announce to another his or her intention to use only that type and degree of force that may reasonably be necessary under the circumstances. This provision should not be construed to authorize or endorse the use of discourteous, abusive or unprofessional language.

D. Specific Rules Relating to the Use of Specific Weapons

1. Impact Weapons

a) Impact weapons should be used only where efforts involving the use of less force have failed or where it reasonably appears that such methods would be ineffective if attempted.
b) Agents striking another person with an impact weapon should avoid striking, if possible, bodily areas likely to result in serious injury or death unless deadly force is authorized under this section. These areas include the head, neck, throat, groin, armpits and spine.
c) Agents striking another person with an impact weapon should attempt to strike, if possible, bodily areas likely to result only in incapacity. These areas include center mass target areas such as the arms, legs and body.

2. Chemical Agents
The provisions governing non-deadly force will govern the use of chemical agents. Only chemical agents that are approved weapons will be used.

a) Agents will exercise due care to ensure that only intended persons are sprayed or otherwise subject to the application of chemical agents.
b) Chemical agents will not be applied to any person for the purpose of effecting punishment.
c) First aid or medical attention will be provided to all persons sprayed with chemical agents.

Use of Electronic Incapacitation Devices

a) The use of electronic incapacitation devices will be subject to the provisions governing non-deadly force.
b) Only electronic devices that are approved weapons, as previously defined, will be used.

E. Reporting Requirements
Global Security Requires reporting any time force is used to detain or prevent escape of any persons. Agents shall complete the unusual incident form provided by their supervisor immediately after the situation has been brought under control and the area has been deemed safe for agents. This report must be completed prior to the Agent returning to work. This report must be submitted to corporate management “As Soon As Reasonably Possible” but at the latest within 6 hours of the incident.


Annex 2
Personal Equipment Packing List


6 short sleeve, navy blue T-Shirts
Personal hygiene and grooming kit
3 black and/or khaki Pants
Government Issued Picture ID
1 navy blue ball cap
Eye glasses
1 navy blue or black light jacket
Sunglasses
1 navy blue or black heavy jacket
2-weeks worth of medications
1 set rain gear
Flashlight, with spare batteries and bulbs
7 pair underwear
$300 cash
7 pair socks
Credit card
1 pair boots with steel toes
Wristwatch
1 pair work gloves
Sleeping Bag
Eye protection
Food & Water for 24 hours
Hearing protection
Sun Lotion
1 bath towel
Bug Spray
1 wash cloth
Firearm related documentation /permits.


Traveling with Firearm Notes:

Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has established specific requirements for transporting firearms and ammunition:
• The firearm must be checked with the air carrier as luggage. Firearms are prohibited from carry-on baggage.
• The firearm must be declared orally or in writing in accordance with the air carriers` procedures (contact your air carrier for their specific procedures).
• The firearm must be unloaded.
• The firearm must be carried in a hard-sided container. The container must be locked and only the passenger may retain the key or combination.
Ammunition is likewise prohibited from carry-on luggage. Ammunition may not be carried loose. It must travel in the manufacturer`s packaging or other packaging suitable for transport.
Consult your air carrier to determine quantity limitations or whether the ammunition must be packed separately from the firearm. For further information, visit www.tsa.gov.


Annex 3:

SECURITY INCIDENT REPORT
Client:

GSA Team Leader Name: Date of Incident:
Reported by:
Location of Incident:
Time of Incident:
Name of Individual (s) involved:
Details of Individuals(s):
Nationality:
Date of Birth:
ID Type / Number:
Height: Weight:
Hair: Eyes:
Description of Activity / Incident:


Annex 4

Emergency Contact List


GSA Central Ops: 516-414-0487
GSA Incident Commander:
ERT Team Leader:
Numbers / Names to be completed upon deployment.

All expenses are paid by the company.
Please be aware that you may be sleeping in a hospital or a tent
job position could be as minimum of 1 week up to 3 months. Employees are only required one week of service unless they would like to stay longer

[KBCraig]

Sounds like something I'd want nothing to do with. I have no problem with private security systems (beats the heck out of the gummint kicking down your door!), but these Blackwater-esque, private quasi-military outfits scare the heck out of me when they are given a free pass.

[lunchbox]

it sounds like a scam to me i wouldnt think this sort of operation would be looking on craigslist.com

[chewy555]

I am a security officer at an HCA owned hospital, and I have never heard of this group. As I type this we are on standby to get patients from HCA hospitals nar the coast.
I dont know if this group is really out there or not, but I have never heard of them. Plus, with it being on craigslist, I would think that there are better websites for this.

edit:
I just looked that the company website. They seem to be on the up and up. And they list HCA as a client. But that is all I could find with just a quick look around the website.

[KaiserB]

it sounds like a scam to me i wouldn't think this sort of operation would be looking on craigslist.com

I agree, if it were real it would be in a high quality publication such as Soldier of Fortune (in the classified ads, right between "How to make a machine gun from a broom handle" and "Visit lovely Rhodesia with a high paying job")

[Excaliber]

I don't see anything to get worked up about here.

In addition to other specialized security services, GSA provides emergency response teams to secure corporate property in disaster areas where public emergency responders are overwhelmed. There is an urgent need for these services in disaster areas, and I didn't see anything in their ad that would be abnormal for a company of this type. I've seen similar ads from other outfits specifically requesting retired law enforcement personnel with current LEOSA act certifications that allow them to carry weapons in any state for disaster area duties. These folks usually do an outstanding job under miserable working conditions, and work very well with local law enforcement agencies. There were a whole bunch of these personnel deployed in the wakes of Rita and Katrina, and very few issues came out of their activities. Lots of important infrastructure facilities were able to continue operating because of the security they provided.

Here's an article (more of a press release actually) that indicates they will be actively deploying personnel into the area that will be affected by Gustav:

[WildBill]

The ad is well written, the phone number is legit. Craigslist is cheap and has a wide audience and can get quick responses. "Employees are only required one week of service unless they would like to stay longer." Sounds like this is part of their contingency plan and they are advertising for short time employees to support evacuation of hospitals for Gustav.

[Xander]

Well, the company is certainly real, but I have to say that I'm a bit wary of the ad.

From the GSA website:

Our employees are Global Security Associates. They are the greatest and most valuable asset of the company. Whether in customer or non-customer facing roles, we recognize that all of our employees play a crucial role in client satisfaction and ultimately the success of the company.

Global Security Associates focuses intently on recruiting the right people for our team who demonstrate work ethic and values in line with the company vision. Given the broad spectrum of services offered, employees are recruited with a view to bringing onboard industry professionals with varying ranges of specialized skills and experience.

All employees undergo extensive background checks.

After recruitment, training is crucial to prepare our employees to execute their job responsibilities in accordance with client requirements.

Global Security Associates places a high priority on training of personnel and invests a large proportion of its operating budget towards sustaining an extensive training program that is of the highest standard. Training ensures understanding, unifies standards, creates consistency and strengthens compliance.

From specialized courses in our training center to field based training, we ensure that out personnel are fully prepared to support clients with extensive knowledge and expertise.

I have a really hard time believing that they would stoop to taking any ol' joe off the street, even if they are short of manpower. Particularly if they really do background checks on every employee, 'cause you ain't gonna get a background check done by tomorrow.

[Xander]

Yeah...I'm pretty sure that ad is fake. I've found another job ad purportedly by the same same company, and this one is far closer to what I would expect to see.

http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/nva/ ... 65608.html

Security Agent / Customer Service FT/ PT (IAD Airport)

Global Security Associates (GSA) professionals provide Customer Service Security Agents for protection of air travelers, airports and airplanes. GSA personnel use cutting edge technology and have the opportunity to be trained to use the latest in security devices. Our responsibilities' include:

PASSENGER VERIFICATION AGENTS
Handle pre-boarding security of passengers.
Provide customer service to passengers & airport staff.

RAMP GUARDS
Provide security on perimeter of Aircraft while on Ramp.
Log all service personnel in journal who are working on or near aircraft.
Ensure service personnel are safe & do not damage aircraft, cargo or passenger baggage.
Ensure airlines are in compliance with TSA regulations and codes

AIRCRAFT GUARDS
Provide security at door of jet bridge.
Log all service personnel in journal.
Use metal detectors to insure no dangerous article are brought on
board aircraft.
Ensure airlines are in compliance with TSA regulations and codes

BAG ROOM GUARDS
Provide security for passengers luggage after TSA screening
Ensure luggage is not tampered with.
Provide security presence to limit threat of stolen personal effects

CATERING SECURITY
Provide security to ensure catering carts are not tampered with or dangerous items placed on board.
Ensure carts are transported to aircraft in a safe matter and are not tampered with.

To qualify, GSA is looking for personnel who:

Effectively interact with the public, giving directions and responding to inquiries in a reasonable tone and manner
Maintain both focus and awareness within an environment containing numerous distractions, people and noisy conditions
Can stand and remain standing for periods of up to three (3) hours or more without sitting
Are able to lift and/or assist another individual (from the ground) an object weighing 70 pounds
Work within a stressful environment i.e., noise from alarms, machinery, distractions, time pressures, disruptive or angry passengers
Excel at identifying/locating potentially life threatening devices used for creating chaos and/or massive destruction
Make effective, clear decisions in both routine and crisis situations
Ability to work shift hours on any day of the week which may include irregular hours, nights and weekends, changing and split shifts. The individual airports and their hours of operation determine specific schedules.


All applicants must pass tests, interviews and other evaluations demonstrating necessary skills/abilities for job performance. These requirements include, but are not limited to:

English Proficiency, reading, writing, speaking, and listening
Interpersonal skills: customer service, honesty, integrity and dependability
Physical abilities: repeatedly lifting and carrying baggage up to 70 pounds and identifying objects by touch
Mental Abilities: visual observation and identification, mental rotation
Work Values: responsibility, honesty, integrity
Drug and Alcohol screening through testing
Pass a 10 year background investigation, including a criminal check and a credit check

INTERESTED IN APPLYING?
SUBMIT YOUR RESUME TO OUR HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT
hr@globalsecurity.aero


* Location: IAD Airport
* Compensation: $11.00 per hour
* Principals only. Recruiters, please don't contact this job poster.
* Please, no phone calls about this job!
* Please do not contact job poster about other services, products or commercial interests.

Notice that in this one they cover not only the job, but what types of people they're looking for, (I was quite surprised that I didn't see anything about qualifications in the first ad) they mention that you'll have to pass a battery of qualifications including a 10-year background investigation (and this is only for $11/hour employees...Not $300/day employees protecting hospitals) and they give an email address for the HR department to respond to.

I'm pretty sure the ad that started this thread is a scam.