So I had an opportunity to see Arrow Security in action this morning at the Jack In the box at 19th ave and Van Buren . Now first, if you know the area, its rough... the Jack in the box was NOT busy and there was more than ample room for sitting down (I found a seat as soon as I walked in).
Now mind you I had just walked in, I was waiting for a friend to eat breakfast and I noticed a homeless man drinking coffee (Jack in the box cup) and working on some paperwork.... quiet, not causing any issues and the security guard walks in and just demands he leaves.... I did not see ANYONE from Jack in the box ask him to tell the guy to leave. This security guard just came it and went right after this guy, told him to leave, said he was loitering (per the definition he was not but, he was just straight up aggressive from the onset) in a very hostile manner. Now I get it, he's homeless but he was there working on something but instead of trying to talk to the guy, this security guard just get instantly got aggressive (the security guard refused to give his name for this interview) and totally made this a very aggressive and uncomfortable interaction for everyone invoice.
Now the rest of the story, the homeless guy was pleasant at first... he show his cup of coffee and he showed he was working on something .... paper, pen on the table and he was actively writing something but the guard just demanded he leave. He said he had been there to long but from what I can see, that place was empty so he was not taking up any ones space.
So I started a video ... yep as I watched it play out the homeless man plead his case and the security guard pulled his mace... then the nice security guard saw me so I advised I felt his actions were wrong...
So he tells me to leave as well or he will call the police on me ... I am standing in line to buy breakfast! So as you will hear ... Ill post the video on face book I advised I did not have to leave (at this point I had asked from the manager as was waiting to address this with him).
Now as far as I could see, there were signs up that said "No Loitering" (stand or wait around idly or without apparent purpose.) but this guy was drink coffee and working (I work at restaurants all the time and have never once been told to leave)... yea I get I am not nor do I look homeless but this is blatant discrimination and the approach was so aggressive and demeaning that I had to say something as he is still a human being.
Finally I left after getting the managers number and I called both Jack in the Box and Arrow to discuss this... Jack in the box was a voice mail and Arrow answered. After I explained why I was calling the dispatch (they were on a conference call) was rude, immediately irritated and advised they would call in 15 minutes (the aggression seems to run ramped here) .... that was 30+ minutes ago so.... here is my review.... they have a job to do I get it, homelessness is a problem I get it, but we need to keep our basic humanity for one another especially when times get tough and that is what this security guard did not get nor due.... is this the Arrow Security way... who knows but by their lack of response I am guessing its not a high priority.
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