Security Firm Pays $1.8M for Lax Gun Testing

Security Firm Pays $1.8M for Lax Gun Testing

New Mexico-based Akal Security, Inc., one of the largest providers of security services at federal courthouses, has agreed to pay $1,875,000 to resolve allegations that it failed to appropriately conduct firearms testing in the Northern District of California.

The Northern District of California includes federal courthouses in San Francisco, Oakland, and San Jose.

Akal Security provides court security officers to guard federal courthouses under a contract with the U.S. Marshals Service. Under its contract, Akal Security must ensure that its security officers pass an approved firearms qualification test and certify the results.

The United States alleged that from 2007 to 2011 certain Akal Security rangemasters who administered the test did not apply the time limitations, sometimes out of concern that security officers would not be able to pass a timed test.

“Those who guard federal courthouses not only have a duty to properly bill for their services, but also to ensure the safety of the individuals who work at and visit their federal courthouses,” said Stuart F. Delery, Acting Assistant Attorney General for the Justice Department’s Civil Division.

Corrective steps have been taken to assure compliance by Akal Security and all affected court security officers are now properly certified.