Stadium Security Firm Lobbies for Renewed License

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Star Tribune (Minneapolis, MN)

 

The head of U.S. Bank Stadium's Chicago-based security firm made a rare public appearance in Minnesota to speak to a regulatory board minutes before the panel postponed a vote on renewing a license for Monterrey Security.

Monterrey President Juan Gaytan Jr. spoke for several minutes to the Minnesota Private Detective and Protective Agent Services Board, which meets at the state Bureau of Criminal Apprehension. Accompanied by lawyers, a lobbyist and another company official, Gaytan — who founded the firm in 1999 — provided a primer on the firm's history and his family's roots in Mexico.

The firm's license to run U.S. Bank security is up for renewal. A recent report by KSTP-TV quoted unidentified sources as saying the company's hiring practices, background checks and training are under federal investigation. The state board, citing the need to review recently submitted papers, delayed a vote on renewal.

"What the board needs to do is absorb everything you've submitted," Chairman Richard Hodsdon told Gaytan. The chairman also noted that many of the documents were recently submitted, so staff had not had time to review them and make a recommendation.

Monterrey lawyer David Aafedt told the board, "We believe we are in compliance."

After the meeting, Hodsdon said the information submitted by Gaytan is the same that all firms must submit, verifying hiring and training dates as well as background checks. Because of Monterrey's size, the paperwork is more voluminous, he said.

The information is not public because it's protected by data practices laws, Hodsdon said.

Gaytan was unwilling to release the documents himself, saying after the meeting that he would let "the process" proceed in private and that he is "cooperating."

With the Minnesota Vikings set to begin their second season in the building next month and the Super Bowl coming in February, Gaytan said security is solid.

"I'm very proud of the people we've hired in the community," he said.

After the meeting, Hodsdon said the board has no investigative powers and provides only civil oversight. The board's task is to review lists of employees for compliance with training requirements and background checks. As for any controversy with Monterrey, Hodsdon shrugged. "I don't make anything of it," he said.

The board must resolve the licensing question within 60 days. It's extremely rare for a company to be denied a license or have one revoked. Companies, however, can be fined up to $499 for violations.

Asked whether he could provide assurance that U.S. Bank Stadium is under qualified security, Hodsdon said, "I'm not in a position to assure the quality of work."

Security firm licenses are good for two years. Monterrey applied and received a license in 2015 — a year before the stadium opened.

Monterrey has a three-year contract with U.S. Bank Stadium to provide round-the-clock security.

A spokeswoman for SMG, the firm that operates the stadium, said it has received no new information regarding a state investigation of Monterrey.

Rochelle Olson · 612-673-1747

Twitter: @rochelleolson

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July 26, 2017
 
 
 

 

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