Akal Security
Akal Security is a organisation that was started by a Sikh and is the fourth largest private security agency in the world providing security to vital US military installations across eight states; to federal court houses with contracts for 400 court houses worth US $854 Million in forty-four states including the federal court house in Manhattan and to Department of Homeland Security besides providing a secure environment to private and the corporate world, airports, and municipal water supply departments. On behalf of Federal Protective Service it provides security to 150 federal buildings and offices in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, and Indiana.
Akal meaning "timeless" in Sikh scriptures has business orders worth over US$ 1 billion and employs approximately 15,000 people. Based in New Mexico State in the US, the company has its headquarters in the small village of Santa Cruz, just south of Espanola.
Followers of the 'Sikh Dharma' founded by the late Harbhajan Singh Yogi, Daya Singh Khalsa and Gurutej Singh Khalsa converted as Sikhs during their university years. "When we founded Akal Security, Inc in 1980, Siri Singh Sahib Yogiji was our main inspiration and he gave us very valuable advice. It was his suggestion that our basic uniform be khaki. We added the blue highlights in recognition of Guru Gobind Singh though the word Akal is inspired from Guru Hargobind, the sixth Guru", said Gurutej Singh co-founder . "As we have grown, however, a need for uniforms of other colour configurations has developed, depending on the specifications of certain contracts," he continued.
Speaking to TNN from US, Gurutej Singh, Co Founder/Senior VP said that while forming the company they wanted to pick a name that was reflective of their Sikh heritage. "The name 'Akal' we felt, would protect our personnel in the field and we are happy to report that in 25 years we have never lost an officer in the line of duty as the Guru's blessings are with us".
"Our Sikh demeanour stands out wherever we go", says Daya Singh Khalsa Vice President and the Co-founder who always supports a white turban. "Nobody forgets us after we've made our presentations, while the other guy might be forgotten immediately"', he adds. "It is not to suggest that we are at an advantage or disadvantage, as the work we get is because of our professionalism in the field", he quips.
"While majority of our personnel in the field are non Sikh, the awareness of Akal as a Sikh-owned company has added value to the integrity of Sikhs in the role of protecting our Homeland, especially post 9/11", says Gurutej Singh.
Details
Since its establishment in 1980, Akal Security has grown from a small local firm to one of the largest contract security companies in the United States. Started with a $1,200 loan from one of our founders, Akal has grown steadily by exceeding client expectations, and by remaining dedicated to service and employee development.
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.
Akal also provides security for corporate clients, including leading companies in transportation, energy and technology.
Akal is one of America’s largest security personnel firms. We’ve grown over 26 years from a small New Mexico start-up, securing small businesses in our local communities, to a major global services provider, and one of the top 100 government contractors in America. Akal Security’s unlimited commitment to serving our clients, employees and communities remains the foundation of the exceptional services our people provide every day, across the nation and around the world.
Key points
- U.S. owned and operated since 1980.
- The largest judicial security contractor in the United States.
- Protecting facilities vital to our nation’s security in 40 states and 20 countries.
- Named America’s top employer of disabled veterans in 2005.
- Ranked as one of the top 100 civilian contractors in the United States by Government Executive Magazine.
- Delivering a focus on Quality, Training, and Compliance through its innovative QTC Program.
