Current training for private security officers is minimal, inconsistent, and sometimes non-existent. It's often left in the hands of security contractors who want to keep costs to a minimum and put officers on the job quickly because of high turnover rates.

Many security officers report that they don't receive training, or that training is very superficial. Often, more experienced officers are asked to train new hires during work hours. And when officers are transferred to new buildings, they're not trained on the new building's specific emergency procedures.

There is little oversight to enforce existing state requirements around training. When training is provided, it varies widely - from company to company and building to building. This inconsistency results in a lack of preparedness and a lack of accountability to clients, building tenants, and the public at large.

Improving Safety for Officers and Security Services for the Public

When officers unite, they win training and equipment improvements.

In New York City, SEIU operates a training program for security officers as part of its training and education fund.

In California and Illinois, SEIU-sponsored increases in officer training requirements have been enacted into law.

In Washington, an SEIU-supported measure to pay standards as well as improve training is now law.

Minneapolis security officers won increased training and updated equipment.