A private security company paid the state of Minnesota a record fine — more than $130,000 — for failing to renew its licensing. On Friday, the Minnesota Board of Private Detectives and Protective Agent Services announced it had entered into an agreement with Unifi Security LLC.
According to the settlement, Unifi failed to submit the proper renewal paperwork and allowed their license to enter into a lapsed status, meaning they could no longer legally provide security services in the state.
But an investigation by the board found that Unifi had continued to provide security services without a license. The company also reportedly failed to conduct proper background checks on multiple prospective employees and provide required training to current employees.
As part of the settlement, Unifi waived its right to a contested case hearing and paid the state a $132,440 fine.
The fine represents “one of the largest, if not the largest” ever paid for violating state licensing laws, according to Board Chair Rick Hodsdon.
“While we very much appreciate the willingness of Unifi to admit its mistakes and take this corrective action, considering the vital role that private security plays in modern public safety, it is critical that all license holders of all sizes comply with our legal requirements,” Hodsdon said in a statement. Unifi’s license revocation was stayed as part of the settlement.
