Kevin Wilson
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Jan 09/02) - If Dave Beckwith's 2001 was bad, 2002 isn't shaping up much better.

"Well, here I am, back in the news," said Beckwith.

The controversial head of Centurion Security makes his first appearance in territorial court Feb. 12, charged with common assault following an incident at Raven's Court apartments on the afternoon of Dec. 26.

During an altercation outside Raven's Court apartments, Beckwith is alleged to have physically restrained the person responsible for the disturbance. Centurion has a contract to provide security for the building.

According to an RCMP press release dated Jan. 7, "the situation (between Beckwith and the individual) became heated. The restrained individual suffered frostbite on one arm and some bruises.

Beckwith said police are "picking on" him and other private security firms in Yellowknife.

"It's not just me, it's security people in general, because we're not peace officers."

He added that he received "no support" from RCMP during the disturbance.

"They just kind of pushed me away and that was it," he said.

Al McCambridge, Operations NCO for the RCMP Yellowknife detachment, declined further comment, saying the matter is before the courts.

Last year Beckwith's firm was involved in controversies dealing with security cameras, employment of a U.S. citizen and use of emergency lighting on its security vehicles.