Private security on the front line protecting others while 35 test positive for COVID-19
Charlotte NC March 17 2020
Private security officers are being called to the front line to keep the peace, direct traffic and to ensure that shoppers play nice.
In Massachusetts, several men ran from a Costco with a shopping cart of unpaid merchandise while store employees were swamped with paying customers.
Some altercations have broken out over shoppers cutting the line and taking more than their share of toilet paper and cleaning supplies.
California deputies and other law enforcement agencies have had to tell shoppers: Don’t call 911 over line cutting.
Stop and Shop, Kroger, ShopRite and Trader Joe are among a growing list of retailers who have hired security officers to control the people and the traffic during the mass rush for Coronavirus supplies.
At the Delran NJ ShopRite location, they have hired two-armed security officers to keep watch over the store during the coronavirus situation. Shoppers seem to agree with the measure.
One is standing right in the heart of the Delran ShopRite location, between the shopping aisles and the check-out counters.
Another armed security officer keeps watch on the crowd and patrols the store.
The store, like many others has been seeing large crowds since the end of last week. In response to the coronavirus outbreak, shoppers have been rushing to the store to pick up essential items like toilet paper, hand sanitizer and meat.
While there have been some arrests made for fighting and for theft, nationwide, most retailers have reported that their shoppers have been understanding and cooperative.
Some security officers are wearing masks and gloves while in most locations, they have been seen without the proper protecting gear.
Jerry Cummings, a New York City security officer who works in the heart of Manhattan said that his employer has provided hand sanitizer, and face masks, gloves and made him watch a CDC training video online.
As of today, 31 known security officers have tested positive with the virus including 6 TSA security officers.
While many businesses, schools and social events have been shut down for several weeks or more, private security officers continue to work to protect people and property
while risking their own lives.
