TUCSON, AZ — Every year thousands of people visit them gem show, leaving security officials to find ways to keep people safe while making sure no thefts occur.
Owner of the gem show, Jay Ghering, has been running the show for the last several years and has been involved with the gem show for decades. He says in total, there's about five to six million dollars in merchandise.
"Well there's never been a year that they didn't catch anybody stealing and you know, you just have to be careful."
Director of security, Lon Bothwell, says besides theft, his team also watched over vehicles in the parking lot while shoppers are inside.
"We also have to be aware of the fact that we have potential for emergency situations here either for people who fall or have heart attacks and there's always the issue when you run into a character where you might have to fight with them or even exhibit a weapon."
Bothwell says pets have also been an issue in the past. He asks people not bring them unless they're registered service animals.
In total, Bothwell says there are about 20 security officers who are former law enforcement.
"We augment that force with active duty officers."
Bothwell says all the work done behind the scenes allows people to enjoy and explore the gem show safely.
