Security Guards at LGA
 

I've been noticing a lot of these security guards from a company called Aviation Safeguard at LGA. Just exactly what do they do? They're certainly not TSA and don't seem to be any use and they look like they're just taking up space. Why are they there? Anyone care to shed some light on this?

There was a discussion about this after I wondered the same thing:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/trave...lga-today.html

Thanks! The search feature isn't the greatest on the mobile version of FT. Still have no clue what those guys at LGA do anyway.

Glorified skycaps http://www.commandsecurity.com/corporate.php

I don't consider them security and most of their duties aren't related to security. They're more generic airport employees to do various functions such as checking boarding passes, dealing with wheelchairs and all sorts of functions that are related to the airport rather than an airline.

It depends on the airport, but typically, these private security guards work for a security contractor like Securitas or Aviation Safeguards that the airport authority hires to ensure the security of the buildings and grounds. They are not TSA or government workers. At larger airports like JFK, these contractors might report to terminal management, or even individual airlines if one airline controls an entire terminal.

Typically, these security contractors have a much higher level of SIDA/AOA clearance than most airport/TSA employees. In many cases, they are second only to LEOs.