Thread: Coin Show Security

Let's get back on topic guys... That's about enough of that.

I'm up for a round of chill-pills.

JCB1983,
You might want to talk to Col. Steve Ellsworth http://www.butternut.org/coins/coins.html. He has written many colums about coin show security and usually publishes a list of the coin shows with the best security every year. In addition, he is a very nice guy and can be found at every major coin show.

Best of luck.

I was involved in arranging security at our show a few years ago. We hired off duty cops to watch overnight and be around outside. We didn't have cops on the floor, but I was there walking around and have a CC permit.

It may take a couple of years, but I would let the show organizer know you would be willing to do it, and a few of the dealers. Some larger dealers are willing to hire help during load/offload periods as this is when they are vulnerable. Unless you are a known entity, its hard to get into it, as others are right its kind of a red flag for people to volunteer to work around high value items. I helped out because:

1. I was VP of the Club putting the show on.
2. Many of the dealers knew me from before anyway.
3. I am a fairly big dude.

But regardless of my background, if the dealers hadn't known me, they wouldn't have been comfortable with me carrying a gun walking them out to their cars, understand? Work on your reputation and getting known.

Chris

Originally Posted by TheCoinGeezer

JCB has zero credibility with me.
Who knows what he did in the Army, or if he even was in the Army?
He could have worked in the kitchen for all you know.

Just because a soldier is assigned KP, or their MOS is culinary, doesn't mean anything.

First and foremost, they are an infantry person and can be put on the line.

Originally Posted by JCB1983

I didn't really know how to phrase this question, but it is targeted more towards dealers. How would I go about advertising my services for Coin Show Security correctly? I happen to live in Southern Maryland and will be at the Baltimore Expo for atleast 2 days. I am not of deep pockets and could use some extra money for the show. Here is my background. I have no record, have an honorable discharge from the Army (Served in both Iraq and Afghanistan), and have a security clearance from the ATF/Department of Justice from a previous security job. How should I advertise my services, and how much should I charge? I have heard of other members on this forum working security in the past, and imagine it more as loss prevention+transportation. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

~Jason

Jason this sounds like a worth endeavor on your part and certainly is something coin show organizers would be receptive to.

However, I believe most organizers of shows probably have something in place as far as security so you may want to contact a few and discuss what they have, if anything at all.

I'm sure there must be some type of security at the local shows near me; however, if there is they are plainclothes as I am unaware of their presence.

Good luck.

Originally Posted by JCB1983

I didn't really know how to phrase this question, but it is targeted more towards dealers. How would I go about advertising my services for Coin Show Security correctly? I happen to live in Southern Maryland and will be at the Baltimore Expo for atleast 2 days. I am not of deep pockets and could use some extra money for the show. Here is my background. I have no record, have an honorable discharge from the Army (Served in both Iraq and Afghanistan), and have a security clearance from the ATF/Department of Justice from a previous security job. How should I advertise my services, and how much should I charge? I have heard of other members on this forum working security in the past, and imagine it more as loss prevention+transportation. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

~Jason

I was in the army, and I am no more qualified to guard a coin show than someone who has taken courses in firearm usage.

To say the number of your posts or your join date adds any credibility to you, is an inaccurate statement.

The shows I go to all have uniformed and armed police officers on the floor. There are always at least half a dozen there, hanging out around the sides/corners of the bourse. I think its completely safe at most large shows, the transportation is the dangerous part. And I think thats what the OP was talking about. However, this situation isn't new, so I imagine most of the dealers already have an arrangement for this. Either they already have security, or they think they will be fine without it. And I know many of them already have "security" in the form of carrying a firearm themselves. I doubt there is much of a market for these services.

Originally Posted by Hunt1

Protection services, i dont know if people are allowed to carry in coin show, concealed weapons permit may help. Just say "Protection and Escort services". One thing is i wouldn't work high-profile dealers alone though.

I would leave out the "escort service" part

I must say that I am disheartened by many of the responses to JCB1983's inquiry. A few humorous responses are usually a hallmark of CoinTalk (see the AdamL's prior post) and I enjoy them.
However, the negative/snarky tone on this thread is beneath what I've come to expect from CoinTalk. From what I can see, JCB1983 has an honest desire to get involved with security. There has not been a single piece of evidence his motives are anything but honorable. In any of his prior posts (either on this thread or any other) has there been any evidence of dishonesty or poor character?

Yes, we can show concern about motives, but, in the absence of improper motives, why not make positive suggestions as to how JCB1983 could get involved. For example, how to contact the head of security for various coin shows to ask them how he can get involved. Why should we be discouraging someone who appears to have a desire to do something positive? If his goal is unrealistic, then we should say that and explain why it is. Otherwise, why not try to help out a fellow CoinTalker?

This is a paramount concern these days. I know dealers at the Naugatuck show who have been robbed leaving there or even tailed going back home. For thieves, robbing a coin dealer does not draw FBI interest like robbing a bank and is generally more lucrative.

I have been robbed of thousands by a vest pocket dealer who I too trustingly let look through my coins. I know leading U.S. dealers who will not do significant shows because of thieves that are known and suspected but too wily to be caught and put behind bars! Remember, for the cops to nail someone you must have definite proof and you the aggrieved party must connect the dots for them. Mostly they are not being paid based on performance so what is their actual incentive to pursue your case and get a result?

I agree security is of paramount concern. We certainly don't want someone of questionable character "guarding" us or our valuables. I guess what I was trying to say is that we should point those who are interested in security to an entry point where they can be hired (and vetted) in a security role, not ridiculed because of their desires.

As far as dealers, I've been lucky enough not to had financial transactions with ones like Owle mentioned. I am aware of at least one in the SF Bay area and would never deal with or recommend him. Sometimes, an internet search can tell you a lot about a dealer and his/her reputation.

The smart ones know how to bury negative feedback in searches of their business or name, there are companies that will do this for you. Yes, there are overly critical, impossible to please customers, but most people are reasonable. If you go to a show and talk to an honest dealer, and ask him/her about a dealer who is not scupulous, it is unlikely you will be told the honest truth for fear of consequences. Life is a two way street for everyone and every transaction, we all need to play by the rules and have little tolerance for larceny.

Thank you all. As coin geezer stated I am fairly new to the coin world, and have yet to establish credibility. I thought that this might be a good opportunity to do so. Tyvm for the detailed responses and I'll leave it at that.