Article Originally Published Here
Akal Security, Inc., a New Mexico-based security company providing services at federal courthouses, has agreed to pay $1.875 million to resolve allegations of firearm testing violations. The Justice Department announced that the settlement addresses violations occurring in the Northern District of California, which includes federal courthouses in San Francisco, Oakland, and San Jose.
Firearms Testing Violations
Akal Security holds a contract with the U.S. Marshals Service to provide court security officers at federal courthouses. Under this contract, all security officers must pass a standardized firearms qualification test and receive proper certification. The test requires officers to fire a specific number of rounds within strict time limits, ensuring they meet the necessary proficiency standards.
READ: Security Companies See Surge in Demand After UnitedHealthcare CEO Tragedy
However, from 2007 to 2011, some rangemasters administering the test allegedly did not enforce the time limits, citing concerns that some officers might fail the test under timed conditions. Despite these deviations, Akal Security still certified to the U.S. Marshals Service that officers had passed under the required conditions. As a result, the company allowed numerous security officers to continue working without meeting the proper firearm qualifications.
Government Response and Corrective Actions
Federal authorities stressed the importance of accountability in security contracts, particularly when public safety is at stake.
- Stuart F. Delery, Acting Assistant Attorney General, emphasized that contractors must not only bill properly but also ensure that security officers meet essential safety standards.
- Michael E. Horowitz, Inspector General for the Department of Justice, reinforced that government contractors must be held accountable for their employees’ misconduct and ensure taxpayer dollars are spent in accordance with regulations.
Akal Security has since implemented corrective measures to bring all affected security officers into compliance. The investigation did not find similar firearm testing violations outside the Northern District of California.
One Response
Great topic—this is an important issue that deserves attention. As someone who writes professionally and has authored articles, I’d like to offer a suggestion: when referencing legislation, statistics, or numerical data, it’s incredibly valuable to include credible sources and reference links. Doing so not only strengthens your message, but also builds trust with your audience and reinforces the integrity of your content. I’m confident there were several strong sources available that could have added even more impact to your piece. Keep up the great work!