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Los Angeles police Officer Brady Lamas, relieved of duty in 2022 for allegedly sharing explicit photos of his then-wife, reportedly found employment with Watermark Security Inc., a company founded by LAPD detective Jamie McBride. McBride, who also serves as a director for the union representing rank-and-file officers, has built a reputation for offering jobs to police officers facing disciplinary issues.
Watermark Security is known for employing suspended or fired officers, promising competitive pay, with reports of McBride telling employees they could earn up to $40 an hour for security services in Los Angeles and the San Francisco Bay Area.
Allegations of Underpayment and Mismanagement
Despite McBride’s promises, some employees claim they were denied overtime pay and lunch breaks. According to a former employee’s email to LAPD leadership, McBride allegedly enriched himself at the expense of those he claimed to support. In addition, there are allegations that Watermark Security overbilled clients, including Target and Walgreens, and falsified officer credentials.
The LAPD is investigating these complaints, along with a lawsuit filed by a former employee alleging that McBride withheld overtime pay. Ten other former Watermark employees have come forward, supporting these claims.
Workers Underpaid and Denied Breaks
Many Watermark employees say they were paid less than the promised hourly wage, with bonuses given instead of proper overtime, leading to increased tax burdens. Other employees noted the lack of lunch breaks and underpayment for overtime, with one ex-employee, Tai Vaimaona, stating he worked 12-hour shifts without receiving proper compensation.
Despite these issues, many employees hesitated to speak out for fear of damaging their reputation in the private security field. Some employees only discovered the discrepancies in their pay after a payroll system change in January 2023. Workers who questioned their pay often found their hours reduced or were removed from the schedule entirely.
McBride’s Expanding Business and Influence
McBride, a controversial figure due to his outspoken defense of police officers facing allegations of misconduct, has been using his influence to expand Watermark Security. The company has reportedly grown to between 100 and 120 employees, with clients including Walgreens and Patagonia. However, Patagonia reportedly ended its contract with Watermark after a 2020 article highlighted McBride’s controversial policing record.
Watermark Security has been involved in multiple incidents, including a fatal shooting by a security guard in 2022. Additionally, McBride’s company has faced accusations of overbilling and employing officers with questionable histories, including those under investigation for misconduct.
Legal Challenges and Ongoing Investigations
Watermark faces legal challenges, including a class-action lawsuit filed by former employee James Bibeau, accusing the company of failing to pay overtime for years. The lawsuit claims Watermark employees worked more than eight hours a day and seven days a week without proper compensation.
The demand for private security has surged in recent years, particularly after the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to increased scrutiny of companies like Watermark. Experts argue that private security guards, who face less oversight than police officers, are vulnerable to exploitation, with inconsistent regulations and fewer workplace protections.
Conclusion
Jamie McBride’s Watermark Security Inc. is under investigation for a range of complaints, from payroll violations to employing officers with questionable pasts. As the LAPD probes continue, questions remain about the company’s practices and its role in providing a “soft landing” for disciplined officers.
