Republican National Committee hired unlicensed NC security firm
CHARLOTTE, N.C. October 28 2019— A private security company hired by the Republican National Committee operated without a North Carolina license during the recent summer meeting, according to an investigation by the state’s Private Protective Services Board.
PPS spokesperson Clyde Roper said state regulators demanded the company stop all activity following a GOP event at Charlotte Motor Speedway on August 6.
“We did an investigation and they determined they had done unlicensed work and ordered them to cease that activity while their license was being reviewed,” Roper said Friday.
PPS approved a license for the company, Black Tie Protection Services, on Thursday without issuing a fine.
Roper said it’s important for companies to be licensed so they can be regulated and so the state can make sure security officers are properly trained and follow the rules.
Roy Taylor called the company’s failure to secure a license “disappointing.”
“To me, it’s a big deal as a prior owner of contract security companies,” he said. “For the RNC to select a company that wasn’t licensed to perform in North Carolina is upsetting when Charlotte has got a plethora of licensed security companies that all could have done the job.”
Black Tie has a long history of working for the RNC. The company lists the 2016 Republican National Convention among its clients. Federal Election Commission records show Black Tie secured work from the campaign before and after the 2016 election. Records show President Donald Trump’s campaign paid the company almost $300,000 in 2019 alone, while the RNC paid more than $76,000 just in August.
Black Tie, through its attorney, said the state has now approved its security license.
“This office is counsel to Black Tie Protection Services, Inc.,” Adam Etman said. “…please note that BTPS’ security license application has been approved, pending completion of the background check. We have no further comments at this time.”
Not all states require security companies to be licensed, which could explain the oversight.
Unlike the summer meeting, the GOP’s Committee on Arrangements will handle contracts for the 2020 RNC Convention. We’ve reached out to both that committee and the Host Committee and are awaiting comment.
WCNC