http://voices.washingtonpost.com/govern ... rds_1.htmlexcerpt
I was reminded about the industry this week when I came across a reference to a Justice Department probe out of Kansas, based on a whistleblower tip. That led me to a Justice press release, which spelled out allegations about how one firm, Akal Security Inc., did not train their hired guns the way they were supposed to.
You may not have heard about Akal, but it's a relatively big presence across the country. In the company's own words: "Today, Akal is the largest provider of contract Judicial Security services, protecting federal courthouses in 40 states. Akal specializes in providing security for critical federal government facilities, state and local government agencies and military installations."
In 2003, the company was awarded contracts worth up to $70 million to provide security at Army bases. In statements to the Albuquerque Journal in July, the New Mexico-based company acknowledged there were problems with the contract. Company officials said they settled to avoid costly lawsuits.