ARMED PROTECTION OFFICER (APO)
PROGRAM
Welcome to BCI’s Armed Protection Officers (APO) program page. Here you'll find general information and answers to any questions you may have about the APO program at Blackstone Consulting, Inc. (BCI).
About the APO Program
PURPOSE
Blackstone Consulting Inc., in collaboration with our healthcare client National Security Services, has developed the Armed Protection Officer (APO) program to address gaps and to enhance capabilities in the current security program. The APOs will be equipped with training, defensive tools, policy guidance, and leadership to deter and address crime and violent escalation at medical centers and facilities.
SERVICES & SCOPE OF WORK
The primary mission and scope of work for the APO will be the delivery of an advanced level of armed protective services including exterior patrol, campus crime prevention and the safeguarding of medical centers and facilities' people, property, assets, and interests.
Frequently Asked Questions - FAQs
Below you will find answers to the most frequently asked questions (FAQs) related to the BCI APO program. If your question is not answered here, please contact your manager. Full list of FAQs will be available soon.
About BCI & the Transition
Who is BCI?
Founded in 1991 by company president Joe Blackstone, Blackstone Consulting, Inc. (BCI) is an international service provider supporting nearly 9,000 managed employees. BCI is the primary contract holder for security services on the KP contract and manages 7 out of 8 KP markets with over 3,500 staff members between BCI and Allied Universal (subcontractor).
Why is the APO transition from Protos to BCI happening?
As an expansion of the current Health Care Protection Officer (HPO) program directly managed by BCI, the integration of the APO services aligns with the long-term vision for our Advance Security Program model. Combining these two enhanced services better positions BCI to directly manage and supervise the HPO and APO workforce as a singular service.
What’s the relationship between the Armed Protection Officer Program and BCI’s Health Care Protection Officer Program?
The APO program and the HPO program will continue to work side-by-side to enhance the safety and security of our medical campuses. Both programs were built with specific intentions and will continue to alleviate some of the challenges and limitations experienced within the hospital environment.
Program Impact
What impact will the transition have on the APO role/position?
The Protos to BCI transition will have a minor impact on the day-to-day responsibilities of the APO program. The major change will be that BCI is moving to a full-time model, meaning employment options will be mainly targeted to those who can fill a full-time position (40 or 32 hours). PT roles will be considered on an as-needed basis.
Will the pay rate change?
Pay rates will remain consistent with the original agreement between Kaiser and Blackstone Consulting, Inc. To see your service area pay rate, please check the aligned application.
What is happening to the Lead Armed Protection Officer Position?
The Lead APO position will remain intact and be utilized as a point of contact for the Security Manager and Program Management team.
Will the transfer requests that had been honored by Protos for Q2 be also honored by BCI?
We are going to look at those on an individual basis but will have to assess operation needs and potential service gaps to determine if they can be honored. If you have expressed interest in joining a new location, please inform the BCI Recruitment Team.
Will APOs schedule change?
In order to support the operational efficiency of the program, BCI will be standardizing the APO schedule based on 336 working hours in both the NCAL and SCAL markets. 5/8s and 24/7 coverage will still be in effect.
Will BCI provide the standard-issued firearm?
Not in current state. A lot of infrastructure is needed before we can incorporate this into the program. In the meantime, we’ll continue with the officer using their own firearm, holster and ammunition.
Is medical screening going to be incorporated in the future? 
Currently, the position is fully external, with no shifts or recurrent work in the licensed space. With that said, no medical screening, aside from drug testing, will be done for the transition. This will be re-evaluated in 2025.
APO Management
The offer says “unionized”, what does that mean?
All new APO hires will be required to join the union. This is a mandatory requirement, if they do not join the union, they will not be able to work on the BCI Kaiser contract.
What are the benefits of joining the union?
Being part of the union offer many benefits such as seniority pay, bidding processes to ensure equal opportunities, annual pay increase, access to affordable healthcare plans for the entire family, and more.
Who will APOs report into?
APOs will report into the APO Lead and the Security Manager at each medical center. Security Managers will be responsible for day-to-day management and will partner with the ASP Managers for the ongoing development of the APO workforce. Incidents and key events will continue to be escalated up to the corresponding DSCO and ASP Regional Director.
How will APO military leave be covered?
BCI has dedicated resources for Leave Administration. The Leave Administrator will work closely with Operations and the employees to ensure their rights and our responsibilities are aligned under USERRA while ensuring Operational needs are met.
Will the APO Lead be union as well and not be able to discipline?
This role will follow the Lead Officer model, where they are unionized and don’t act as managers, just as leads to their team. Tasks that fall into supervisory buckets will be performed by the Manager (and ASP Managers coming on board soon).
Does the grooming standard apply to external officers like APOs?
Yes. Accommodation requests must go through HR.
Hiring & Onboarding Questions
When can current APOs apply?
Starting June 3rd, 2024, all applications for the Armed Officer Protection program will be open. Links for your specific site can be found at www.bci-toolkit.com/apo
What are the hiring requirements?
For the Protos to BCI transition, re-delivery/verification of the following compliance requirements will be expected:
Is military law enforcement experience required or does basic military service meet requirements?
Military OR law enforcement experience is required.
Are currently deployed APO spots reserved?
BCI will do its best to find employment for each current APO, however, our primary focus is to fill full-time positions to align with the evolution and maturity of the program. Additionally, each candidate must pass the hiring requirements as described above.
What is the transition/hiring process?
1. Apply for BCI’s APO program at: www.bci-toolkit.com/apo
2. If selected, review and sign your contingent offer letter.
3. Post application submission, you will receive an email from our HR system with instructions on completing the necessary onboarding documents. Complete the onboarding documentation.
4. Visit Concentra and take a 11-panel non-DOT drug screen.
5. Sign all documents to comply with Background requirements.
6. Provide Law Enforcement and/or Military verification.
What happens if an employee has been previously terminated by BCI and/or has a not re-hirable status?
BCI will evaluate each situation on a case-by-case basis. BCI does not expect to uphold “not re-hirable” statuses unless the separation was of an egregious policy violation. To begin an evaluation of a personnel case, please inform your manager.
Is there a Physical Agility Requirement?
Not at this point.
Will APOs be eligible for KP benefits when the transition occurs?
Yes, they will have the same CBA benefits as our regular officers and HPOs.
What benefits do BCI offer?
Your benefits will align with the union’s Collective Bargaining Agreement.
Health Insurance: Dependent Level: Employee Only $45, Employee +1 $55, Family $65 per pay period.
Sick: Employees are allocated 6 sick days per year at the time of hire and thereafter every January.
Fully paid employee benefits plus family medical benefits (after nominal monthly contribution)
Vacation Pay- 40 hours (about 1 and a half days) per year (5 days).
Holidays: BCI offers a holiday schedule each year which includes New Year’s Day, MLK Day, Presidents Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth National Independence Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.
Additional employee options available: Dental, Vision, 401k (Retirement), Short- & Long-Term Disability, Employee Assistance Programs, Voluntary Life and AD&D Insurance, Supplemental Insurance, PTO, Recognition Programs, Training & Career Development, Pet Insurance, Hospital Indemnity Plan.
How quickly will Benefits, DOH, Vacation, Sick Hours reflect after the transition to BCI?
Benefits will be able within 90 days of employment.
Will officers have to rebuild their vacation hours, sick days, or other accruals?
Seniority dates from Protos will roll over. Protos is required to pay out all accrued vacation prior.
Will BCI keep the same pay schedule?
BCI will continue to pay on a weekly schedule, however, BCI’s pay week runs Friday to Thursday with pay being received the following Thursday.
Are incumbent APOs going to be pulled from the medical center to complete NEO/training if they are selected to transition?
No, the current APOs have been trained and will transition with just an acknowledgment that it has happened. NEO will be set up virtually with daily sessions so they can attend when they are not on shift. The new hires for Q2 will attend the same 1-week training + OJT.
Uniform Questions
Will uniforms change?
Yes, but only slightly. Protos shirts and jackets will be replaced with BCI-branded uniform parts. Duty belts and shoes will also be provided.
When and where can officers return their Protos Uniform, and pick up their BCI Uniforms?
Employees can expect the exchange to occur at their work site, but more information will be made available as we get closer to the transition date.
Protos currently provides equipment (handcuffs, pepper gel, etc.) – Will BCI do the same?
Yes, the equipment offered to APOs by BCI will remain the same and what used to be provided by Protos will now be provided by BCI.
Will APOs receive a duty belt as part of their uniforms?
Yes.
Training & Compliance Questions
Will the annual compliance process change?
Current compliance requirements will remain the same.
What impact does this have on the Q2 training and deployment dates?
Q2 training and deployment dates have been updated to the following to ensure proper time for the transition. All APOs must pass their hiring requirements before entering BCI’s APO training program.
NCAL APO:
Training: June 28 to July 2 (Fri-Tue)
OJT: July 8 (Monday post-holiday)
Deployment: July 9
​
SCAL APO:
Training: July 8 to July 12 (Mon-Fri)
OJT: July 15
Deployment: July 16
​
Hiring Requirements
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EOE/M/F/D/V/SO PPO-12867 CALBSIS License