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G4S: Difference between revisions
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In 2000, [[Group 4 (company)|Group 4]], a security firm formed in the 1960s, merged with Falck to form Group 4 Falck<ref name="history" /> and by 2000 the company was described as "the world's largest private security systems company".<ref>{{cite news|last1=Dancel|first1=Raul C.|title=Group 4 Buys Local Security Firm|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=VlM1AAAAIBAJ&pg=3137%2C12558597|access-date=30 May 2016|newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer|date=28 April 2000|page=B2}}</ref> In 2002 Group 4 Falck went on to buy [[Wackenhut|The Wackenhut Corporation]] in the United States.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9B0DEED71E30F93AA35750C0A9649C8B63|title=Falck Buys Wackenhut Security|work= | In 2000, [[Group 4 (company)|Group 4]], a security firm formed in the 1960s, merged with Falck to form Group 4 Falck<ref name="history" /> and by 2000 the company was described as "the world's largest private security systems company".<ref>{{cite news|last1=Dancel|first1=Raul C.|title=Group 4 Buys Local Security Firm|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=VlM1AAAAIBAJ&pg=3137%2C12558597|access-date=30 May 2016|newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer|date=28 April 2000|page=B2}}</ref> In 2002 Group 4 Falck went on to buy [[Wackenhut|The Wackenhut Corporation]] in the United States.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9B0DEED71E30F93AA35750C0A9649C8B63|title=Falck Buys Wackenhut Security|work= The New York Times|date=9 March 2002|access-date=18 April 2011}}</ref> | ||
===2004 to 2010=== | ===2004 to 2010=== | ||
G4S was formed in July 2004, when Group 4 Falck's security business merged with Securicor to create Group 4 Securicor and began trading on both the [[Nasdaq Copenhagen|Copenhagen]] and [[London Stock Exchange|London]] Stock Exchanges.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.digitallook.com/investing/visual_tools/security.cgi?csi=104331&ac=&username=|title=G4S Share Price |website=digitallook.com|access-date=15 March 2015}}</ref> In 2005, Lars Nørby Johansen was succeeded as chief executive by Nick Buckles and, in 2006, the new G4S brand identity, designed by Russell Johnson of UK design agency Stylus, was rolled out across its business worldwide.<ref>[http://investing.businessweek.com/research/stocks/people/person.asp?personId=2173401&ticker=WDH:DC&previousCapId=426471&previousTitle=WILLIAM%20DEMANT%20HOLDING "Lars Nørby Johansen"]{{dead link|date=April 2023|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}. Bloomberg.</ref> In the same year, Alf Duch-Pedersen succeeded Jørgen Philip-Sørensen to become the non-executive chairman of the business.<ref>[http://www.investegate.co.uk/article.aspx?id=20060630095518PBEDD "Group4 Securicor PLC: Board Changes"]. FE Investegate.</ref> | G4S was formed in July 2004, when Group 4 Falck's security business merged with Securicor to create Group 4 Securicor and began trading on both the [[Nasdaq Copenhagen|Copenhagen]] and [[London Stock Exchange|London]] Stock Exchanges.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.digitallook.com/investing/visual_tools/security.cgi?csi=104331&ac=&username=|title=G4S Share Price |website=digitallook.com|access-date=15 March 2015}}</ref> In 2005, Lars Nørby Johansen was succeeded as chief executive by Nick Buckles and, in 2006, the new G4S brand identity, designed by Russell Johnson of UK design agency Stylus, was rolled out across its business worldwide.<ref>[http://investing.businessweek.com/research/stocks/people/person.asp?personId=2173401&ticker=WDH:DC&previousCapId=426471&previousTitle=WILLIAM%20DEMANT%20HOLDING "Lars Nørby Johansen"]{{dead link|date=April 2023|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}. Bloomberg.</ref> In the same year, Alf Duch-Pedersen succeeded Jørgen Philip-Sørensen to become the non-executive chairman of the business.<ref>[http://www.investegate.co.uk/article.aspx?id=20060630095518PBEDD "Group4 Securicor PLC: Board Changes"]. FE Investegate.</ref> | ||
In 2006, 2007 and 2008, G4S was the subject of a global campaign by union workers alleging that its subsidiaries undermine labour and human rights standards. Some of these groups were organised under the banner of the [[SEIU]]-funded Focus on Group 4 Securicor.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.focusongroup4securicor.org/ |title=Focus on G4S|website=Focusongroup4securicor.org |access-date=18 April 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110707110504/http://www.focusongroup4securicor.org/ |archive-date=7 July 2011}}</ref> This group supported protests at Group 4 Securicor's annual general meeting in London in 2005.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://business.guardian.co.uk/story/0,,1517686,00.html|title=Unions Say Group 4 Is Unfair to Workers|work= | In 2006, 2007 and 2008, G4S was the subject of a global campaign by union workers alleging that its subsidiaries undermine labour and human rights standards. Some of these groups were organised under the banner of the [[SEIU]]-funded Focus on Group 4 Securicor.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.focusongroup4securicor.org/ |title=Focus on G4S|website=Focusongroup4securicor.org |access-date=18 April 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110707110504/http://www.focusongroup4securicor.org/ |archive-date=7 July 2011}}</ref> This group supported protests at Group 4 Securicor's annual general meeting in London in 2005.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://business.guardian.co.uk/story/0,,1517686,00.html|title=Unions Say Group 4 Is Unfair to Workers|work=The Guardian|location=UK|date=30 June 2005|author=Inman, Phillip|author2=Gow, David}}</ref> | ||
The 2006, ''US State Department Report on Human Rights in Indonesia'', released in March 2006, featured the ongoing dispute in [[Jakarta]] with Group4/Securicor.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://2001-2009.state.gov/g/drl/rls/hrrpt/2005/61609.htm|title=Indonesia: Country Reports on Human Rights Practices – 2005|date=8 March 2006|website=[[United States Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor]]}}</ref> In July 2006, the Indonesian Securicor workers had a substantial win – but the campaigners continue to support other Group 4 Securicor workers.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.focusong4s.org/violating-workers-rights-in-in/|title=Violating Workers' Rights: G4S in Indonesia|website=Focus on G4S|access-date=18 April 2011|archive-date=26 July 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110726060946/http://www.focusong4s.org/violating-workers-rights-in-in/|url-status=dead}}</ref> The company disputed these claims and pointed to its strong relationships with unions around the world, including the GMB in Britain.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.g4s.com/home/home-news_and_media/home-news_and_media-pr.htm?id=29045 |title= G4S Praised by Prime Minister for Union Recognition Agreement with GMB|website= G4S |date= 22 June 2006 |url-status= dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20060707130904/http://www.g4s.com/home/home-news_and_media/home-news_and_media-pr.htm?id=29045 |archive-date = 7 July 2006 |df= dmy}}</ref> In March 2008, it was announced that G4S were taking over Scottish [[Rock Steady Group]] – who steward at major sporting and music events mostly in the UK. Rock Steady events have included [[Live8]] concerts in London, [[Scottish Cup]] Final and the [[Download Festival]].<ref>{{cite web |author=Chiesa, Alison |url=http://www.theherald.co.uk/news/news/display.var.2093231.0.Scots_founder_sells_off_pop_concert_security_firm_Rock_Steady.php |title=Scots Founder Sells Off Pop Concert Security Firm Rock Steady |website=Theherald.co.uk |date=5 March 2008 |access-date=18 April 2011 |url-status=dead | The 2006, ''US State Department Report on Human Rights in Indonesia'', released in March 2006, featured the ongoing dispute in [[Jakarta]] with Group4/Securicor.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://2001-2009.state.gov/g/drl/rls/hrrpt/2005/61609.htm|title=Indonesia: Country Reports on Human Rights Practices – 2005|date=8 March 2006|website=[[United States Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor]]}}</ref> In July 2006, the Indonesian Securicor workers had a substantial win – but the campaigners continue to support other Group 4 Securicor workers.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.focusong4s.org/violating-workers-rights-in-in/|title=Violating Workers' Rights: G4S in Indonesia|website=Focus on G4S|access-date=18 April 2011|archive-date=26 July 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110726060946/http://www.focusong4s.org/violating-workers-rights-in-in/|url-status=dead}}</ref> The company disputed these claims and pointed to its strong relationships with unions around the world, including the GMB in Britain.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.g4s.com/home/home-news_and_media/home-news_and_media-pr.htm?id=29045 |title= G4S Praised by Prime Minister for Union Recognition Agreement with GMB|website= G4S |date= 22 June 2006 |url-status= dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20060707130904/http://www.g4s.com/home/home-news_and_media/home-news_and_media-pr.htm?id=29045 |archive-date = 7 July 2006 |df= dmy}}</ref> In March 2008, it was announced that G4S were taking over Scottish [[Rock Steady Group]] – who steward at major sporting and music events mostly in the UK. Rock Steady events have included [[Live8]] concerts in London, [[Scottish Cup]] Final and the [[Download Festival]].<ref>{{cite web |author=Chiesa, Alison |url=http://www.theherald.co.uk/news/news/display.var.2093231.0.Scots_founder_sells_off_pop_concert_security_firm_Rock_Steady.php |title=Scots Founder Sells Off Pop Concert Security Firm Rock Steady |website=Theherald.co.uk |date=5 March 2008 |access-date=18 April 2011 |url-status=dead | ||
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====Failure to meet London 2012 Security Contract==== | ====Failure to meet London 2012 Security Contract==== | ||
On 12 July 2012, it was announced that 3,500 British troops would be deployed at the [[2012 Summer Olympics]] due to a shortage of adequately trained G4S security staff, with Labour MP [[Keith Vaz]] claiming that, "G4S has let the country down and we have literally had to send in the troops".<ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-18813729 |title=Olympics Security Not Compromised, Theresa May Says |work= BBC News |date=12 July 2012 |access-date=12 July 2012}}</ref> Shares in G4S later dropped nine percent after the firm claimed it faced a possible £50 million loss as a result of failing to provide sufficient trained staff for the 2012 Olympic Games.<ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-18856922 |title=G4S Olympics Staff 'Failed to Arrive' for Security Work |work= BBC News |date=16 July 2012 |access-date=16 July 2012}}</ref> On 17 July, the company's chief executive, Nick Buckles, appeared before the [[Home Affairs Select Committee]], where he apologised for the organisational failings, expressed regret at having taken on the Olympic security contract, and agreed in principle to pay bonuses to soldiers drafted at the last moment as replacement security staff.<ref>{{Cite news| title = London 2012: G4S's Nick Buckles Regrets Taking Contract | url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-18866153 | work = BBC News | date =17 July 2012 | access-date = 17 July 2012 }}</ref> Pressed by Labour MP [[David Winnick]], he was forced to admit that organisational situation had become a "humiliating shambles".<ref name=teen>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk/video/2012/jul/17/g4s-boss-humiliating-shambles-video?newsfeed=true |title=G4S Boss Admits to 'Humiliating Shambles' over Olympic Security | work = | On 12 July 2012, it was announced that 3,500 British troops would be deployed at the [[2012 Summer Olympics]] due to a shortage of adequately trained G4S security staff, with Labour MP [[Keith Vaz]] claiming that, "G4S has let the country down and we have literally had to send in the troops".<ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-18813729 |title=Olympics Security Not Compromised, Theresa May Says |work= BBC News |date=12 July 2012 |access-date=12 July 2012}}</ref> Shares in G4S later dropped nine percent after the firm claimed it faced a possible £50 million loss as a result of failing to provide sufficient trained staff for the 2012 Olympic Games.<ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-18856922 |title=G4S Olympics Staff 'Failed to Arrive' for Security Work |work= BBC News |date=16 July 2012 |access-date=16 July 2012}}</ref> On 17 July, the company's chief executive, Nick Buckles, appeared before the [[Home Affairs Select Committee]], where he apologised for the organisational failings, expressed regret at having taken on the Olympic security contract, and agreed in principle to pay bonuses to soldiers drafted at the last moment as replacement security staff.<ref>{{Cite news| title = London 2012: G4S's Nick Buckles Regrets Taking Contract | url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-18866153 | work = BBC News | date =17 July 2012 | access-date = 17 July 2012 }}</ref> Pressed by Labour MP [[David Winnick]], he was forced to admit that organisational situation had become a "humiliating shambles".<ref name=teen>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk/video/2012/jul/17/g4s-boss-humiliating-shambles-video?newsfeed=true |title=G4S Boss Admits to 'Humiliating Shambles' over Olympic Security | work = The Guardian | location=London |date=17 July 2012}}</ref> | ||
In [[Newcastle upon Tyne|Newcastle]], G4S was replaced by 500 staff from local security firms for Olympic events.<ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-18951304 | work = BBC News | title=London 2012: Queen Hails Olympic 'Dedication' | date=24 July 2012}}</ref> | In [[Newcastle upon Tyne|Newcastle]], G4S was replaced by 500 staff from local security firms for Olympic events.<ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-18951304 | work = BBC News | title=London 2012: Queen Hails Olympic 'Dedication' | date=24 July 2012}}</ref> | ||
In Scotland, G4S was stripped of the security role with it passing to Strathclyde Police.<ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-18929058 | work = BBC News |title=Strathclyde Police to Control Scots Olympic security | date=20 July 2012}}</ref> At Dorney Lake, the Olympic rowing and canoeing venue, a G4S manager reported G4S radios were not working, so staff were relying on personal mobile phones to communicate; G4S confirmed the venue was being manned by military personnel after 66 percent of rostered G4S staff were failing to show. The venue manager reported parts of the CCTV system had already been replaced by Army patrols and a complete army takeover was "on the cards".<ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-berkshire-18913635 | work = BBC News | title=London 2012: Dorney Lake Security 'a Shambles' | date=20 July 2012}}</ref> | In Scotland, G4S was stripped of the security role with it passing to Strathclyde Police.<ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-18929058 | work = BBC News |title=Strathclyde Police to Control Scots Olympic security | date=20 July 2012}}</ref> At Dorney Lake, the Olympic rowing and canoeing venue, a G4S manager reported G4S radios were not working, so staff were relying on personal mobile phones to communicate; G4S confirmed the venue was being manned by military personnel after 66 percent of rostered G4S staff were failing to show. The venue manager reported parts of the CCTV system had already been replaced by Army patrols and a complete army takeover was "on the cards".<ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-berkshire-18913635 | work = BBC News | title=London 2012: Dorney Lake Security 'a Shambles' | date=20 July 2012}}</ref> | ||
On 22 July 2012, a contractor reported that a third of his expected staff had not turned up; instead, he was sent a group of mainly female, teenage students with minimal training, whom he turned away as he did not feel comfortable leaving them for night duties.<ref>{{Cite news| last = Judd | first = Terri | title = G4S Shambles Revealed in Internal Report: One Operator Says He Was Sent Teenage Girls to Guard a Games Venue at Night| url = https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/olympics/news/g4s-shambles-revealed-in-internal-report-7965137.html | work = [[The Independent]] | date = 23 July 2012 | access-date = 23 July 2012 | location=London}}</ref> On 8 August 2012, G4S announced that it had finally contracted enough employees to fully fulfil its contract for the Olympic games. Although missing its initial target of 10,000, G4S announced the sending of 7,000 personnel each day to Olympic venues, in a way they felt would allow them to fully secure each venue.<ref>[https://www.espn.com/olympics/summer/2012/story/_/id/8246519/2012-london-olympics-private-contractor-g4s-fills-olympic-security-quota "G4S Fills Olympic Security Quota"]. [[ESPN]]. 8 August 2012.</ref> Subsequent to the Olympics contract failures, the chief constables of Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire were to recommend abandoning outsourcing work to G4S. They were backed by [[Jim Paice]], the agriculture minister and Conservative MP for South East Cambridgeshire.<ref>[https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-18924979 "Chief Constables Want to Abandon G4S Scheme"]. [[BBC News]]. 20 July 2012.</ref> Following the Olympic Games, G4S provided a donation of £2.5 million to military charities as a goodwill gesture.<ref>[https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2012/aug/13/london-2012-g4s-donate-2-million "G4S Donate £2 Million"]. '' | On 22 July 2012, a contractor reported that a third of his expected staff had not turned up; instead, he was sent a group of mainly female, teenage students with minimal training, whom he turned away as he did not feel comfortable leaving them for night duties.<ref>{{Cite news| last = Judd | first = Terri | title = G4S Shambles Revealed in Internal Report: One Operator Says He Was Sent Teenage Girls to Guard a Games Venue at Night| url = https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/olympics/news/g4s-shambles-revealed-in-internal-report-7965137.html | work = [[The Independent]] | date = 23 July 2012 | access-date = 23 July 2012 | location=London}}</ref> On 8 August 2012, G4S announced that it had finally contracted enough employees to fully fulfil its contract for the Olympic games. Although missing its initial target of 10,000, G4S announced the sending of 7,000 personnel each day to Olympic venues, in a way they felt would allow them to fully secure each venue.<ref>[https://www.espn.com/olympics/summer/2012/story/_/id/8246519/2012-london-olympics-private-contractor-g4s-fills-olympic-security-quota "G4S Fills Olympic Security Quota"]. [[ESPN]]. 8 August 2012.</ref> Subsequent to the Olympics contract failures, the chief constables of Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire were to recommend abandoning outsourcing work to G4S. They were backed by [[Jim Paice]], the agriculture minister and Conservative MP for South East Cambridgeshire.<ref>[https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-18924979 "Chief Constables Want to Abandon G4S Scheme"]. [[BBC News]]. 20 July 2012.</ref> Following the Olympic Games, G4S provided a donation of £2.5 million to military charities as a goodwill gesture.<ref>[https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2012/aug/13/london-2012-g4s-donate-2-million "G4S Donate £2 Million"]. ''The Guardian''.</ref> | ||
====Sale of Wackenhut Pakistan==== | ====Sale of Wackenhut Pakistan==== | ||
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====Employee Omar Mateen and Orlando massacre connection==== | ====Employee Omar Mateen and Orlando massacre connection==== | ||
G4S was in the news in June 2016 because of employee [[Omar Mateen]], the gunman behind [[Orlando nightclub shooting|one of the worst mass-shooting incidents]] in United States history (where 49 were killed),<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2016/06/12/us/why-the-orlando-shooting-was-so-deadly.html|title= Why the Orlando Shooting Was So Deadly|work = | G4S was in the news in June 2016 because of employee [[Omar Mateen]], the gunman behind [[Orlando nightclub shooting|one of the worst mass-shooting incidents]] in United States history (where 49 were killed),<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2016/06/12/us/why-the-orlando-shooting-was-so-deadly.html|title= Why the Orlando Shooting Was So Deadly|work = The New York Times |date= 12 June 2016|access-date=21 December 2016}}</ref> who was employed as a security guard by the company.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.theeventchronicle.com/orlando-shooting/orlando-shooter-omar-mateen-not-first-g4s-employee-go-deadly-rampage/|title=Orlando Shooter Omar Mateen Not First G4S Employee to Go on Deadly Rampage|website=Event Chronicle|access-date=21 December 2016|archive-date=19 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180819051141/http://www.theeventchronicle.com/orlando-shooting/orlando-shooter-omar-mateen-not-first-g4s-employee-go-deadly-rampage/|url-status=dead}}</ref> In October 2006, Mateen had begun working as a recruit for the [[Florida Department of Corrections]], being assigned to the Martin Correctional Institution. In a letter explaining his juvenile record as part of his successful application, Mateen explained the incident of when he was arrested at school when he was fourteen. Following the [[Virginia Tech shooting]] in April 2007, Mateen suggested in a corrections officer training class that he would bring a gun to class. P.H. Skipper, who was the warden at institution, wrote that "in light of the tragic events at Virginia Tech officer Mateen's inquiry about bringing a weapon to class is at best extremely disturbing". Days later on 27 April 2007, Mateen "was involuntarily dismissed" from the program and never became a certified [[corrections officer]].<ref>{{cite news|last1=Connor|first1=Tracy|last2=Winter|first2=Tom|title=Orlando Gunman Talked About Bringing Gun to Training Class in 2007|url=http://www.nbcnews.com/storyline/orlando-nightclub-massacre/orlando-shooter-omar-mateen-talked-about-bringing-gun-training-class-n594786|access-date=21 December 2016|work=[[NBC News]]|date=17 June 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.tampabay.com/news/publicsafety/crime/omar-mateen-what-we-know-about-orlando-nightclub-shooter/2281484/|title=Omar Mateen: What we know, don't know about Orlando nightclub shooter|date=13 June 2016|work=[[Tampa Bay Times]]|access-date=21 December 2016}}</ref> | ||
Mateen then worked for British-based security firm [[G4S Secure Solutions]] in [[Jupiter, Florida]], from September 2007 until his death.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.palmbeachpost.com/news/news/local/fort-pierce-apartment-building-evacuated-has-ties-/nrfFf|title=Vero Beach bomber tied to Mateen posted anti-gay video on Facebook|date=12 June 2016|work=[[The Palm Beach Post]]|last2=Morgan|first2=Matt|last3=Mower|first3=Lawrence|last4=Stapleton|first4=Christine|first1=Pat|last1=Beall|access-date=21 December 2016|archive-date=12 June 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160612233449/http://www.palmbeachpost.com/news/news/local/fort-pierce-apartment-building-evacuated-has-ties-/nrfFf/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.palmbeachpost.com/news/local/vero-beach-bomber-tied-mateen-posted-anti-gay-video-facebook/KZ9zXxKFAC0nKTkm3ApXhM/ |title=A G4S Secure Solutions (USA) Inc. Publication|date=Fall 2012|website=G4S|page=10|access-date=21 December 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://abcnews.go.com/US/omar-mateen-suspected-orlando-night-club-shooter/story?id=39790797|title=What We Know About Omar Mateen, Suspected Orlando Nightclub Shooter|last1=Katersky|first1=Aaron |last2=Meek |first2=James Gordon|date=12 June 2016|last3=Margolin |first3=Josh|last4=Hayden|first4=Michael Edison|work=ABC News|access-date=21 December 2016}}</ref> The company said two screenings of Mateen—one conducted upon hiring and the other in 2013—had raised no red flags.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/orlando-shooter-employer-g4s-saw-no-red-flags-1465817844|title=Orlando Nightclub Shooting Puts G4S in Spotlight Again: U.K.-based security giant that employed Omar Mateen said its vetting had raised no red flags|last=Woo|first=Stu|date=13 June 2016|work=The Wall Street Journal|access-date=21 December 2016}}</ref> Nonetheless, G4S removed Mateen from his job post at a courthouse because of threats he made towards coworkers, including one threat where he claimed he would have [[al-Qaeda]] kill a deputy's family.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Barry|first1=Dan|last2=Kovaleski|first2=Serge F.|last3=Blinder|first3=Alan|title='Always Agitated. Always Mad': Omar Mateen, According to Those Who Knew Him|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/06/19/us/omar-mateen-gunman-orlando-shooting.html|access-date=21 December 2016|work=The New York Times|date=18 June 2016|quote=In 2013, G4S removed Mr. Mateen from his security post at the St. Lucie County Courthouse after he had made 'inflammatory comments' about being involved somehow in terrorism.}}</ref><ref name=WPTV.Present>{{cite web|url=http://www.wptv.com/news/region-st-lucie-county/port-st-lucie/pga-village-residents-present-findings-of-investigation-into-g4s-following-concern-of-omar-mateen|title=PGA Village residents present findings of investigation into G4S following concern of Omar Mateen|website=WPTV|date=19 October 2016|access-date=21 December 2016|first=Meghan|last=McRoberts}}</ref> Mateen had claimed that his coworkers and courthouse deputies were making racist comments towards him.<ref name=WPTV.Present/> Despite this, G4S "kept Mateen as an employee" but moved him "to a kiosk at a gated community in Palm Beach County."<ref name=clerical>{{cite news|title='Clerical error' on Orlando killer's psychological eval named wrong doctor|url=http://www.miamiherald.com/news/state/florida/article84490302.html|access-date=21 December 2016|work=The Miami Herald|quote=The company kept Mateen as an employee, moving him to a kiosk at a gated community in Palm Beach County}}</ref> They never informed the community or its property management company about why he was transferred there.<ref name=WPTV.Present/> | Mateen then worked for British-based security firm [[G4S Secure Solutions]] in [[Jupiter, Florida]], from September 2007 until his death.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.palmbeachpost.com/news/news/local/fort-pierce-apartment-building-evacuated-has-ties-/nrfFf|title=Vero Beach bomber tied to Mateen posted anti-gay video on Facebook|date=12 June 2016|work=[[The Palm Beach Post]]|last2=Morgan|first2=Matt|last3=Mower|first3=Lawrence|last4=Stapleton|first4=Christine|first1=Pat|last1=Beall|access-date=21 December 2016|archive-date=12 June 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160612233449/http://www.palmbeachpost.com/news/news/local/fort-pierce-apartment-building-evacuated-has-ties-/nrfFf/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.palmbeachpost.com/news/local/vero-beach-bomber-tied-mateen-posted-anti-gay-video-facebook/KZ9zXxKFAC0nKTkm3ApXhM/ |title=A G4S Secure Solutions (USA) Inc. Publication|date=Fall 2012|website=G4S|page=10|access-date=21 December 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://abcnews.go.com/US/omar-mateen-suspected-orlando-night-club-shooter/story?id=39790797|title=What We Know About Omar Mateen, Suspected Orlando Nightclub Shooter|last1=Katersky|first1=Aaron |last2=Meek |first2=James Gordon|date=12 June 2016|last3=Margolin |first3=Josh|last4=Hayden|first4=Michael Edison|work=ABC News|access-date=21 December 2016}}</ref> The company said two screenings of Mateen—one conducted upon hiring and the other in 2013—had raised no red flags.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/orlando-shooter-employer-g4s-saw-no-red-flags-1465817844|title=Orlando Nightclub Shooting Puts G4S in Spotlight Again: U.K.-based security giant that employed Omar Mateen said its vetting had raised no red flags|last=Woo|first=Stu|date=13 June 2016|work=The Wall Street Journal|access-date=21 December 2016}}</ref> Nonetheless, G4S removed Mateen from his job post at a courthouse because of threats he made towards coworkers, including one threat where he claimed he would have [[al-Qaeda]] kill a deputy's family.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Barry|first1=Dan|last2=Kovaleski|first2=Serge F.|last3=Blinder|first3=Alan|title='Always Agitated. Always Mad': Omar Mateen, According to Those Who Knew Him|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/06/19/us/omar-mateen-gunman-orlando-shooting.html|access-date=21 December 2016|work=The New York Times|date=18 June 2016|quote=In 2013, G4S removed Mr. Mateen from his security post at the St. Lucie County Courthouse after he had made 'inflammatory comments' about being involved somehow in terrorism.}}</ref><ref name=WPTV.Present>{{cite web|url=http://www.wptv.com/news/region-st-lucie-county/port-st-lucie/pga-village-residents-present-findings-of-investigation-into-g4s-following-concern-of-omar-mateen|title=PGA Village residents present findings of investigation into G4S following concern of Omar Mateen|website=WPTV|date=19 October 2016|access-date=21 December 2016|first=Meghan|last=McRoberts}}</ref> Mateen had claimed that his coworkers and courthouse deputies were making racist comments towards him.<ref name=WPTV.Present/> Despite this, G4S "kept Mateen as an employee" but moved him "to a kiosk at a gated community in Palm Beach County."<ref name=clerical>{{cite news|title='Clerical error' on Orlando killer's psychological eval named wrong doctor|url=http://www.miamiherald.com/news/state/florida/article84490302.html|access-date=21 December 2016|work=The Miami Herald|quote=The company kept Mateen as an employee, moving him to a kiosk at a gated community in Palm Beach County}}</ref> They never informed the community or its property management company about why he was transferred there.<ref name=WPTV.Present/> | ||
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====Profit margins==== | ====Profit margins==== | ||
Ben Saunders, the head of two British immigrant centres that have been the focus of abuse of detainees was put on leave in September 2017. A parliamentary committee chair and the Opposition Labour shadow home secretary complained that G4S's contract with the Home Office limited it to a 6.8% profit on operations, but instead the pre-tax profit margins appear to have ranged from 20% to 30%. Saunders had previously directed the Medway Secure Training Centre where juveniles had been found to have been abused before G4S had divested itself of its youth detention component.<ref>[https://www.theguardian.com/business/2017/sep/15/head-of-scandal-hit-g4s-detention-centres-ben-saunders-is-put-on-administrative-leave Head of scandal-hit G4S detention centres is put on administrative leave], '' | Ben Saunders, the head of two British immigrant centres that have been the focus of abuse of detainees was put on leave in September 2017. A parliamentary committee chair and the Opposition Labour shadow home secretary complained that G4S's contract with the Home Office limited it to a 6.8% profit on operations, but instead the pre-tax profit margins appear to have ranged from 20% to 30%. Saunders had previously directed the Medway Secure Training Centre where juveniles had been found to have been abused before G4S had divested itself of its youth detention component.<ref>[https://www.theguardian.com/business/2017/sep/15/head-of-scandal-hit-g4s-detention-centres-ben-saunders-is-put-on-administrative-leave Head of scandal-hit G4S detention centres is put on administrative leave], ''The Guardian'', Simon Hattenstone and Eric Allison, 15 September 2017. Retrieved 25 October 2017.</ref> | ||
====Acquisition by Allied Universal==== | ====Acquisition by Allied Universal==== | ||
In late 2020 [[GardaWorld]] and [[Allied Universal]] made takeover offers for the company.<ref>[https://www.theguardian.com/business/2020/dec/02/canadian-security-firm-gardaworld-raises-g4s-takeover-offer-to-37bn Canadian security firm GardaWorld raises G4S takeover offer to £3.7bn] ''The Guardian'' 3 December 2020</ref><ref>[https://www.theguardian.com/business/2020/dec/08/g4s-agrees-to-38bn-takeover-by-us-rival-allied-universal G4S agrees to £3.8bn takeover by US rival Allied Universal] ''The Guardian'' 9 December 2020</ref> In February 2021 the Allied Universal offer was accepted with G4S delisted from the Copenhagen and London Stock Exchanges.<ref>[https://www.reuters.com/article/us-g4s-m-a-gardaworld-idUSKBN2AM0J3 Allied bid wins G4S auction after long battle with GardaWorld] '' | In late 2020 [[GardaWorld]] and [[Allied Universal]] made takeover offers for the company.<ref>[https://www.theguardian.com/business/2020/dec/02/canadian-security-firm-gardaworld-raises-g4s-takeover-offer-to-37bn Canadian security firm GardaWorld raises G4S takeover offer to £3.7bn] ''The Guardian'' 3 December 2020</ref><ref>[https://www.theguardian.com/business/2020/dec/08/g4s-agrees-to-38bn-takeover-by-us-rival-allied-universal G4S agrees to £3.8bn takeover by US rival Allied Universal] ''The Guardian'' 9 December 2020</ref> In February 2021 the Allied Universal offer was accepted with G4S delisted from the Copenhagen and London Stock Exchanges.<ref>[https://www.reuters.com/article/us-g4s-m-a-gardaworld-idUSKBN2AM0J3 Allied bid wins G4S auction after long battle with GardaWorld] ''Reuters'' 21 February 2021</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.g4s.com:443/investors/shareholder-centre/delistings|title=Delistings|website=www.g4s.com}}</ref> In April 2021, the acquisition was completed.<ref name=bizorlando1>{{cite web|url=https://www.bizjournals.com/orlando/news/2021/07/05/california-security-company-to-hire-dozens.html |title=California security company Allied Universal to hire hundreds in Central Florida |website=Orlando Business Journal |date=July 9, 2020 |access-date=July 20, 2021}}</ref> | ||
==Operations== | ==Operations== | ||
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In the early 2000s, the company (then still known as Group 4 Falck) bid unsuccessfully for the right to operate several [[Rail franchising in Great Britain|railway franchises in the United Kingdom]].<ref>[https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/4481109/SRA-calls-sudden-halt-to-rail-bids.html "SRA Calls Sudden Halt to Rail Bids"]. ''[[The Daily Telegraph]]''. 8 February 2001.</ref><ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/1041730.stm "Connex Bids for Welsh Franchise"]. [[BBC News]]. 27 November 2000.</ref> | In the early 2000s, the company (then still known as Group 4 Falck) bid unsuccessfully for the right to operate several [[Rail franchising in Great Britain|railway franchises in the United Kingdom]].<ref>[https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/4481109/SRA-calls-sudden-halt-to-rail-bids.html "SRA Calls Sudden Halt to Rail Bids"]. ''[[The Daily Telegraph]]''. 8 February 2001.</ref><ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/1041730.stm "Connex Bids for Welsh Franchise"]. [[BBC News]]. 27 November 2000.</ref> | ||
In 2013, G4S Forensic and Medical Services were awarded a three-year contract to run services providing medical examinations and counselling for victims of rape and sexual assault in the West Midlands. It has been working in this area since 2005.<ref>{{cite news|title=G4S contract to run sexual assault referral centres damned|url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2013/may/24/g4s-contract-sexual-assault-referral-centres|access-date=9 September 2014| work = | In 2013, G4S Forensic and Medical Services were awarded a three-year contract to run services providing medical examinations and counselling for victims of rape and sexual assault in the West Midlands. It has been working in this area since 2005.<ref>{{cite news|title=G4S contract to run sexual assault referral centres damned|url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2013/may/24/g4s-contract-sexual-assault-referral-centres|access-date=9 September 2014| work = The Guardian |date=24 May 2013}}</ref> The firm provides patient transport services for NHS Trusts including [[Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust]]; [[Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust]]; [[St George's Healthcare NHS Trust]] (£2.7 million a year), and [[Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust]] (£3.5 million a year).<ref>{{cite news|title=What Is G4S Doing in England's NHS?|url=https://www.opendemocracy.net/ournhs/caroline-molloy/what-is-g4s-doing-in-englands-nhs|access-date=9 September 2014|work=Open Democracy|date=15 July 2013}}</ref> | ||
In 2014, the [[Austria]]n [[Ministry of the Interior (Austria)|Ministry of the Interior]] awarded G4S a contract to run a detention center in [[Vordernberg]]; this was the first privately operated prison in Austria.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.profil.at/home/anhaltelager-vordernberg-ernst-strasser-g4s-368292 |title=Anhaltelager Vordernberg: Ernst Strasser und die G4S |website=Profil.At |date=22 October 2013 |access-date=9 January 2019}}</ref> | In 2014, the [[Austria]]n [[Ministry of the Interior (Austria)|Ministry of the Interior]] awarded G4S a contract to run a detention center in [[Vordernberg]]; this was the first privately operated prison in Austria.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.profil.at/home/anhaltelager-vordernberg-ernst-strasser-g4s-368292 |title=Anhaltelager Vordernberg: Ernst Strasser und die G4S |website=Profil.At |date=22 October 2013 |access-date=9 January 2019}}</ref> | ||
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==Controversies== | ==Controversies== | ||
{{Main|Controversies surrounding G4S}} | {{Main|Controversies surrounding G4S}} | ||
Controversies involving the company have included use of immigrant-detainee labour in prisons,<ref>{{Cite news |last = Rawlinson |first = Kevin |date = 22 August 2014 |title = Private Firms 'Are Using Detained Immigrants as Cheap Labour' |url = https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2014/aug/22/immigrants-cheap-labour-detention-centres-g4s-serco |work = | Controversies involving the company have included use of immigrant-detainee labour in prisons,<ref>{{Cite news |last = Rawlinson |first = Kevin |date = 22 August 2014 |title = Private Firms 'Are Using Detained Immigrants as Cheap Labour' |url = https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2014/aug/22/immigrants-cheap-labour-detention-centres-g4s-serco |work = The Guardian |access-date = 22 August 2014 }}</ref> extreme misconduct in child custodial institutions in the UK and the US,<ref>[http://www.miamiherald.com/news/state/article168011957.html Youth academy steeped in sex, physical abuse, cover-ups, sheriff says], ''[[Miami Herald]]'', Carol Marbin Miller, 18 August 2017. Retrieved 27 August 2017.</ref><ref>[http://www.fox13news.com/news/local-news/274634296-story Three former G4S employees arrested on felony charges] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170827172038/http://www.fox13news.com/news/local-news/274634296-story |date=27 August 2017 }}, ''[[WTVT-TV|Fox 13]]'', 18 August 2017. Retrieved 27 August 2017.</ref><ref>[http://www.nwfdailynews.com/news/20170819/crestview-youth-detention-facility-director-arrested Crestview youth detention facility director arrested], ''[[Northwest Florida Daily News]]'', Tom McLaughlin, 19 August 2017. Retrieved 25 August 2017.</ref><ref>[https://www.theguardian.com/society/2016/oct/21/managers-g4s-medway-youth-jail-paid-bonuses-despite-failings Managers at G4S-run Medway youth jail paid bonuses despite failings], ''The Guardian'', Eric Allison & Simon Hattenstone, 21 October 2016. Retrieved 22 October 2016.</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=G4S-Run Youth Jail Criticised over Degrading Treatment of Detainees|url=https://www.theguardian.com/society/2015/may/20/misconduct-youth-jail-rainsbrook-ofsted-g4s|access-date=23 March 2016|work= The Guardian |date=20 May 2016}}</ref> allegations of police telephone data manipulation,<ref name="Guardian_Fake999">{{cite news|last1=Travis|first1=Alan|title=G4S Police Control Room Staff Suspended over Claims of Bogus 999 Calls|url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2016/may/23/g4s-police-control-room-staff-suspended-claims-bogus-999-calls-lincolnshire-force|access-date=28 May 2016|work= The Guardian |date=23 May 2016}}</ref> its troubled nine-year employment of [[Orlando, Florida]] terrorist Omar Mateen,<ref>{{cite news|first1=Sheryl Gay|last1=Stolberg|first2=Richard|last2=Pérez-Peña|author-link2=Richard Pérez-Peña|title=Orlando Shooting Survivors Cope with the Trauma of Good Fortune|work= The New York Times |date= 14 June 2016|access-date= 21 June 2016|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/06/15/us/orlando-shooting.html|quote=The slaughter early Sunday left 49 victims dead, in addition to the gunman, and 53 wounded ...More than 30 of the wounded remained in hospitals on Tuesday, including at least six who were in critical condition.}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title= Orlando Shooting Victims Arrived by 'Truckloads,' Doctor Says | work = [[Chicago Tribune]] |date= 14 June 2016 |url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/ct-orlando-nightclub-shooting-20160614-story.html |access-date= 21 June 2016 |quote=The slaughter early Sunday left 49 victims dead, in addition to the gunman, and 53 wounded ...More than 30 of the wounded remained in hospitals on Tuesday, including at least six who were in critical condition.}}</ref> the escape of [[Thabo Bester]] from [[Mangaung Prison]] in South Africa,<ref>{{cite news |title= Did the Facebook rapist die in his cell? Or did he escape from prison? | work = [[GroundUp (news agency)]] |date= 15 April 2023 |url=https://www.groundup.org.za/article/did-the-facebook-rapist-die-in-his-cell-or-did-he-escape-from-prison/ |access-date= 13 April 2023}}</ref> and the 2016 riot at [[Birmingham Prison]] in Birmingham, England.<ref name="parliament">{{Cite news |last=Travis |first=Alan |last2=editor |first2=Alan Travis Home affairs |date=2016-12-19 |title=G4S must pay for cost of Birmingham prison riot, says Liz Truss |url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2016/dec/19/g4s-must-pay-for-cost-of-birmingham-prison-riot-says-liz-truss |access-date=2024-08-25 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref><ref name="Haddad"/> | ||
G4S has also been a target of the [[Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions]] movement for its involvement in Israel. In June 2023, it was reported that G4S would be divesting completely from Israel in response to years of campaigning pressure and “reputational damage”.<ref name=RPSFG>{{cite news |url=https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230602-report-private-security-firm-g4s-to-divest-from-israel/ |title=Report: Private security firm G4S to divest from Israel |publisher=Middle East Monitor}}</ref> G4S’ parent company, [[Allied Universal]], was also said to have divested from Israel.<ref name=RPSFG/> | G4S has also been a target of the [[Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions]] movement for its involvement in Israel. In June 2023, it was reported that G4S would be divesting completely from Israel in response to years of campaigning pressure and “reputational damage”.<ref name=RPSFG>{{cite news |url=https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230602-report-private-security-firm-g4s-to-divest-from-israel/ |title=Report: Private security firm G4S to divest from Israel |publisher=Middle East Monitor}}</ref> G4S’ parent company, [[Allied Universal]], was also said to have divested from Israel.<ref name=RPSFG/> | ||