Jails to elections: A $17.4 million security proposal heads to commissioners

Fulton County police are seeking approval for up to $17,375,402 in armed, unarmed and tower security services for 2027, including coverage for jails and Registration and Elections. The department says security services currently cover approximately 50 county facilities.⁠[1][2]

The recommended award to Universal Protection Services, doing business as Allied Universal Security Services, is on commissioners’ November 18 agenda. It would run from January 1 through December 31, 2027, with two one-year renewal options. The proposal still requires board approval.⁠[1][2]

Eighteen qualified firms submitted proposals, and four made the shortlist. In its October 8 recommendation, the evaluation committee gave Allied Universal a final score of 98 out of 100, well ahead of the nearest finalist, Aron Security, doing business as Arrow Security, at 78.52. Cost accounted for 10 of the 100 available points.⁠[3]

Allied already performs security work for the county. A separate county performance evaluation for July through September 2026 gave the company a score of 100. That evaluation praised communication between Allied and county police, citing weekly meetings and additional meetings at key government sites.⁠[4]

The funding plan lists $6,639,972 from the Police Department’s General Fund allocation, explicitly pending commissioners’ approval of the fiscal 2027 budget. Another $10,735,430 is assigned to various county departments.⁠[2]

The November 18 board meeting is scheduled for 10 a.m. in Assembly Hall at the Fulton County Government Center, 141 Pryor Street SW, Atlanta.⁠[1]