The Aland Etienne Safety and Security Act addresses public safety vulnerabilities and helps the city retain experienced officers by setting industry-wide standards for wages, benefits, and paid time off.

That change is urgently needed. New York City’s private security industry currently faces a staggering 77% turnover rate, denying the city more experienced officers , which may put public safety at risk. According to a recent UC Berkeley Labor Center report, thousands of security officers, who are largely Black and Latino, live paycheck to paycheck; despite risking lives to protect New Yorkers, security officers struggle to make ends meet.

The Council’s vote marked a major victory for the more than 20,000 32BJ SEIU security officers who stand on the frontlines of emergencies every day. It also sets a precedent that benefits nearly 800k subcontracted security officers across the country.

In October, Etienne’s family, security officers, and allies testified before the City Council about what it means to protect the public while struggling to pay rent, access medical care, and support their families. On the morning of the vote, officers, union leaders, and community allies rallied in Foley Square to show their support behind the legislation. Their rallying cry was simple: “Protect the protectors”

“Security officers are integral to our city’s public safety infrastructure, safeguarding our offices, homes, public institutions, and so much more,” said New York City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, who sponsored the bill. “Every day, security officers put their lives on the line, and yet they aren’t always compensated or treated like the essential workers they are.”

Security officers across the country stand on the frontlines to protect the public. The Aland Etienne Safety and Security Act stands as an example of how legislation can and must be used to protect security officers, raise industry standards, and make our communities safer.