San Diego- After a national search to find the right security firm to continue improving the approach to security and enforcement, the Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) has been onboarding security officers from Inter-Con. The new security team began patrolling Trolleys, buses, and transit centers on Jan. 1. By the end of the month, about 190 Inter-Con officers will have joined the MTS security personnel on the ground. 

“The safety of our riders and employees is a top priority at MTS. We are confident Inter-Con officers will be a great addition to our security teams,” said Monica Montgomery Steppe, Chair of the MTS Public Security Committee and San Diego City Council President pro Tem. “We are excited to have these officers on board to advance many of the reforms we’ve implemented over the past few years and look forward to working with them to serve the public.”

“We want to provide a safe and secure experience for all MTS riders and employees,” said Nathan Fletcher, MTS Board Chair, and Chair, San Diego County Board of Supervisors. “This new team can help us ensure we meet our obligation to protect the public, our MTS team members and anyone who engages with MTS in a safe and professional manner.”

In July 2021, the MTS Board of Directors approved a new 5-year, $66 million contract with Inter-Con Security to provide security services on MTS vehicles and properties. The contract includes three base years with an option to extend for an additional two years. The contract went into effect on January 1, 2022.

Inter-Con’s 190 officers will join MTS’ 80 Code Compliance Inspectors to make up MTS Security. Together MTS Security officers are responsible for conducting fare inspections, acting as system ambassadors, supporting bus and rail operations and other employees in need, helping with lost and found, responding to the agency’s Ride Assured 24/7 text and phone hotlines and much more. The MTS service area covers 570 square miles, 62 stations, 53 miles of double-tracked railway.

“We have been working diligently to adopt principles, guidelines, and improve our officers’ training to a more sensible approach to security and safety enforcement,” said Al Stiehler, MTS Director of Transit Security and Passenger Safety. “Inter-Con presented an impressive work plan that aligns with our mission and is backed by the use of technology to track training and certifications.”

Inter-Con has 48 years working with both federal and state governments and employs a highly diverse workforce of over 30,000 employees across North and South America, Africa, and Europe, with sustained operational growth. Inter-Con provides tailored security services to Fortune 500 companies, public utilities, high net worth individuals, non-profit organizations, and federal, state, and local governments around the world.

“We at Inter-Con are thrilled to partner with MTS and its excellent management team. Inter-Con brings nearly 50 years of experience providing security programs that emphasize training, compliance, and customer service,” said Henry Hernandez, Inter-Con President and CEO. “We are committed to do our part to ensure the best possible experience for the passengers who rely on MTS on a daily basis.”

MTS operates more than 100 bus routes and three Trolley lines in 10 cities and unincorporated areas of San Diego. Frequencies and spans have been restored to near-pre-COVID-19 levels. Updated schedules can be accessed on the MTS website. MTS asks that people wear face coverings at all times and practice physical distancing when possible.

Read the original article here.

The San Diego Metropolitan Transit System board Thursday approved a $66 million contract with Inter-Con Security to provide services on trolleys, buses and MTS properties.

The contract, for three years with an option to extend for an additional two years, will go into effect Jan. 1. At the same meeting, the MTS board also extended a diversion program for fare violators for another year.

“This is an important day for the future of MTS passenger safety and security,” said Monica Montgomery Steppe, a board member and chair of the agency’s Public Security Committee.

At MTS, Inter-Con, headquartered in Pasadena, will provide support by employing 190 public safety officers to patrol the system.

The MTS service area covers 570 square miles, 62 stations and 53 miles of double-tracked railway. Officers conduct fare inspections, act as system ambassadors, support bus and rail operations and other employees in need and helping with lost and found items, among other tasks.

“MTS engaged in a national search to find the right firm to continue our mission to improve our approach to security and enforcement,” said Sharon Cooney, CEO of MTS. “Inter-Con has 48 years in the business, working with both federal and state governments, and presented an impressive work plan backed by the use of technology to track training and certifications. We look forward to bringing them on board.”

In January, MTS named Al Stiehler – who most recently served as chief of field operations for the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority, the nation’s largest – as director of transit security and passenger safety.

Since July of last year, in the wake of the national protests over the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis, MTS has been changing its security policies and procedures, including:

“We are committed to do our part to ensure the best possible experience for the passengers who rely on MTS on a daily basis,” Inter-Con CEO Henry Hernandez said.

In addition to hiring a new security contractor, the MTS Board also extended the Fare Evasion Diversion Program to Aug. 31, 2022.

The pilot program reduces fines, offers a community service option in lieu of payment and a new appeal window for fare violators. The purpose is to provide more flexibility for passengers who receive citations for not having a valid fare while riding buses and trolleys.

MTS is extending the pilot to get a better understanding of it, according to a statement. The COVID-19 pandemic made it difficult to fully analyze the program thus far, so the extension is intended to allow additional time to evaluate the effectiveness of the program.

View the original article posted on Times of San Diego HERE.

Inter-Con is excited to announce that Natalie Griffiths has been promoted to the position of Chief Compliance Officer.  Natalie will serve as Inter-Con’s first CCO, and – in addition to her current responsibilities – she will oversee Inter-Con’s domestic compliance program and will chair Inter-Con’s newly-formed Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee.

Natalie brings a wealth of expertise to this new role.  In addition to supporting Inter-Con’s legal function as a senior lawyer for over a decade, Natalie has also served as Inter-Con’s Vice President of Compliance for the past three years, during which time she was responsible for maintaining compliance with labor laws, licensing requirements, health and safe codes, and various other obligations.

Press Release

December 30, 2020

Phone: 626-535-2200 
Email: [email protected] 

PASADENA, CA, Dec. 30, 2020 — Inter-Con Security Systems, Inc. (“Inter-Con”), a global provider of premium security services, announced today the acquisition of the Peacemaker National Training Center (“Peacemaker National”) in Glengary, West Virginia. The acquisition of this world-class training facility positions Inter-Con as the industry leader in the provision of fully-customized, highly sophisticated security and training services.

At 800+ acres, Peacemaker National is one of the largest private shooting complexes on the Eastern Seaboard and is home to dozens of different ranges and training structures designed for handgun, mid- and long-range rifle, as well as shotgun training. Peacemaker National’s venues include two 1,000-yard rifle ranges and shooting areas used for numerous shooting events and competitions throughout the year. Inter-Con will continue these rich traditions and expand Peacemaker National’s offerings to include new shooting and training facilities. 

“The acquisition of Peacemaker reflects Inter-Con’s commitment to providing superior security services to clients  whose needs go above and beyond the abilities of traditional guarding companies,” stated Henry Hernandez,  President of Inter-Con. “Not only will we see immediate gains through greatly expanded training offerings, but we  will also see significant cost savings by eliminating the need to rent classrooms, training spaces, or shooting ranges.” 

Inter-Con will support and grow Peacemaker National’s membership of 2,200 as well as expand the facility’s  offerings to further enhance the member experience. Peacemaker National’s members can look forward to fully  renovated shooting areas, upgraded armory offerings, and enhanced lounges to rest in between sessions.  Peacemaker’s previous owner, Jennifer McCulloch stated, “Since the inception of Peacemaker over a decade ago,  we’ve been dedicated to training responsible citizens to be safe and proficient with firearms. We’ve also been a major driver of economic growth in Berkeley County and the surrounding area. We’re excited to see that our employees,  members and many sponsors will continue the tradition of Peacemaker through Inter-Con.” 

About Inter-Con 

Inter-Con Security Systems, Inc. is a global provider of fully customized, high-touch integrated security solutions.  With over 30,000 employees performing services across North America, South America, Europe, and Africa, we are  one of the largest security companies in the world. Inter-Con’s core business focus is providing dedicated security solutions for sophisticated clientele whose needs exceed the capabilities of traditional security companies. 

IC Now Offers Nuanced COVID-19 Screening, Access Control Services to Southern Californian Clients

As an extension of Inter-Con’s best-in-class Access Control solution set, our COVID Screening Service is tailored to align with our client’s unique cultures while minimizing the degree of operational friction experienced at their critical facilities and offices.

Inter-Con has partnered with AltaMed to offer clients access to highly trained, local health and security professionals to meet your unique screening and access control needs. To ensure safety of employees and customers, business leaders need the backing of a team that has opened nine outdoor evaluation centers and created new operations and processes for over 3,000 staff across 55 sites. The challenges that many business owners face in reopening have already been addressed by experienced operations teams.

Download a shareable document about Inter-Con’s nuanced screening and access control capabilities.

If you are looking to explore how your organization can stay safe and healthy during this time, reach out to our Solutions Design Team now! We can work with your management team to solidify opening plans, discuss gaps that may be present, and discuss with management what to expect as they reopen.