Security Firm Fails Compliance at Orange County Facilities

Summary:
A recent audit by the Orange County Comptroller’s Office revealed that Allied Universal, the private security firm contracted to provide security services at Orange County Jail and the juvenile assessment center, failed to meet several critical staffing and training requirements. The audit, covering October 2021 to May 2022, highlighted numerous deficiencies including the absence of required female guards during multiple shifts, lack of annual training on crucial topics such as suicide prevention and child abuse reporting, and incomplete hiring processes like background checks and psychological evaluations.
The report emphasized that these lapses could jeopardize the safety of corrections staff, inmates, and visitors. This is not the first time Allied Universal has faced scrutiny; similar issues were identified in a 2019 audit related to their services at the Orange County Courthouse. The firm, previously known as G4S Solutions, has a history of violations, including wage theft and workplace safety issues.
The audit concluded that both Allied Universal and the county’s Corrections Department share the responsibility for these shortcomings. Recommendations were made for improvements in compliance monitoring and contract requirements. The findings were presented to county officials, and measures are being taken to address the identified issues before potentially renewing the contract later this year.