Security officers in Indianapolis protect lives and property every day, but some report that they make poverty wages with limited access to affordable health care. On Tuesday, community and faith leaders in Indianapolis joined security officers in a prayer vigil for good jobs.

The private security industry is large, fast-growing, and global. The Safe and Secure report makes the case for improving the security industry in Indianapolis through responsible contracting, investing in reliable union security services, and a professional workforce of security officers. Click here to preview and download the report.

Last Wednesday, December 8th, politicians, community leaders and private security officers took a stand for better security in Indianapolis. City-County Council Minority Leader Joanne Sanders has introduced a bill, Proposal No. 299, 2010: The Safe and Secure Bill, to the Marion County City-County Council. The bill is focused on raising the training standards of the private security industry to ensure that all Hoosiers are safe and secure.

In Indianapolis yesterday, local veterans were joined by faith and community leaders for a press conference about improving security jobs in the community. Similar to press conferences held in Cincinnati and Portland, security officers who once served in our armed forces stood up and called for the better training, higher pay and affordable healthcare that officers need to do their jobs well.

I think it's time for a change. I remember being able to afford to go places--the stock car races and such--and now you can't. Whether it's low wages or the big corporate bailouts, workers these days are getting shafted. It's time for a change.

Sabra Mahrling works the second shift as a security officer at a computer company in Indianapolis. Although she has eight years of experience as a security officer, she is only paid $10.25 an hour to protect valuable assets and the people who work in the building.