United Security Operations (USO) is a Primary Command whose mission is to provide professional, effective, community-minded, trustworthy, and accountable security, safety, and enforcement services for the Central Aid Agency and on its behalf. Additionally, to set standards for, regulate, and manage C.A.A. security personnel. The name is derived from the fact that, rather than each command having its own security elements, all security services within the Central Aid Agency are managed under one entity.
United Security Operations was created to fill the need for professional, highly trained, in-house security services for the Central Aid Agency. We have since expanded our services to include supporting partner agencies and providing limited contract security services. Currently, the command utilizes all-volunteer units and personnel, but certifies all Security Agents through the Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) as private security providers. All of our Security Agents are background checked and certified to the appropriate level. Professionalism, accountability, and competence are paramount and our commitment to these principles defines the expectations each USO Security Agent is held to. Despite being Rated personnel, USO Agents are also sworn in and recite the Guardian Oath (See below). USO is not your run-of-the-mill security outfit, we are truly a high-end provider with high standards of conduct, training, and professionalism.
Because of this, training is of great importance to us and is critical for maintaining our high standards. USO Security Agents are trained to act within the fullest extent of the law and governed by internal policies. Agents receive comprehensive training according to their specific certification level that includes state licensing, law and policy, practical skills like use of force, CPR first aid, patrol procedures, and emergency response. Additionally, Security Agents attend ongoing training to maintain their certifications and skills. Agents who specialize in certain areas must receive training specific to that area or discipline. All USO Agents are trained to the NIMS/Incident Command System (ICS) standards appropriate for their role or assignment.
USO primarily serves facilities and properties owned or controlled by the Central Aid Agency and its partner organizations. Like other security organizations, USO can only exercise authority over properties owned, controlled, or contracted. The Property and Premises Rules help establish jurisdiction for USO over these properties. USO operates mainly in the Eugene/Springfield Metro area as well as the greater Lane County area.
United Security Operations primarily provides in-house security services for the C.A.A. and its partner organizations. However, USO does also offer security and event type services to outside entities (see below for services that USO offers). Because of this, USO fields a variety of personnel types.
Event Security
Event Security personnel are designated by vests and hats with “Security” on them, but they are not trained to the same level as Security Agents and cannot intervene in situations or take enforcement action, they can only act as crowd management and event staff. Event security staff must typically be supervised by a regular Security Agent with a ratio of ten staff to every one Security Agent. Alternatively, this role may be fulfilled by certified Security Agents, depending on the circumstances.
Unarmed Security Agents
Unarmed Security Agents are fully trained and certified but do not carry firearms. They are trained how to respond to and mitigate incidents, and take enforcement action. Unarmed Security Agents may be equipped with tools necessary to do their jobs such as handcuffs, pepper spray, and batons.
Armed Security Agents
Armed Security Agents receive the same training in incident response, mitigation, and enforcement as unarmed Security Agents; except they are additionally qualified to carry firearms along with other security tools. Armed Security Agents must face strict standards and selection, and are highly vetted before being certified to be armed
Plainclothes
Plainclothes Security Agents can be armed or unarmed and perform their duties in professional attire, or attire suited to the job site. Plainclothes agents have the same training and capability as uniformed agents.
Cadets
United Security Operations maintains a Cadet unit. Cadets are youth aged 14-21 who are interested in learning about becoming a Security Agent through first hand practical experience. Cadets are volunteers and do not directly engage in any confrontational enforcement action, but do assist certified Security Agents and help support USO operations. Cadets wear a slightly different uniform and badge, and are typically not DPSST certified unless they are over 18 years of age.
Because of the unique structure of our organization, we are able to prioritize excellence and hold our personnel to much higher standards than other security organizations. For example:
Event Staff: Do not hold typically hold security certifications, and must be supervised by a certified Security Agent at a rate of 10 to 1. This role may often be fulfilled by certified unarmed Security Agents, depending on the circumstances.
Presence / Minor Involvement: Security Agents are fully certified, but primarily serve an observe-and-report function. They may take minor action if contracted and trained to do so, but mostly only get involved in an emergency.
Full Involvement: Security Agents take an active role and engage in proactive patrol activities with a focus on both security and public safety. They can respond to and resolve incidents.
Full Involvement (High Risk): Security Agents take an active role and engage in proactive patrol activities with a focus on both security and public safety. They can respond to and resolve incidents, including high-risk situations.
As someone entrusted to protect and serve
I take this solemn oath
As all Guardians have before me
On my Honor
I will never betray
My Badge
My Integrity
My character
Or the trust placed in me
I will always have the courage
To hold myself and others accountable for our actions
I will always uphold
My community
The agency I serve
And the duties of my station
So Help Me God
United Security Operations primarily wears uniforms in Navy Blue (Color Type 1), but also wears Coyote (Color Type 2) for hot weather or rural operations, and OD (Color Type 3) for specialized field environments. Uniforms commonly worn by USO include:
USO Service Dress Uniform Class A
USO Service Dress Uniform Class B
Patrol Duty Uniform Class C
Tactical Patrol Duty Uniform Class C
USO Administrative and Training Uniform with Navy Blue Polo and Navy Blue Pants Class C
Civil Patrol Uniform (Black Security Vest and Black Security Ballcap) Class D
Field Basic Service Uniform Class D (When participating in Community Service activities)
Physical Training Uniforms Class E
