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.

"The private security industry lacks any regulation or oversight," Sanders said. "These officers guard buildings vital to Indianapolis, and it is important that we ensure these officers are properly trained. Otherwise, we are risking the lives and safety of not only these officers, but all Hoosiers."

Currently, Indiana has no training regulations for private security officers, armed or unarmed, in spite of the fact that they protect millions of lives and billions of dollars worth of property. The Safe and Secure Bill would require 8 hours of general training for all newly hired private security officers, as well as 16 hours of training by a certified NRA instructor for armed officers.

Other speakers included Sheriff-Elect Colonel John Layton, Pastor Willoughby from the Promise Land Christian Community Church and Pierre Pullins, a private security officer.

SEIU Local 1's white paper, detailing the need for stronger regulation in private security, was also released at the public statement in support of The Safe and Secure Bill. The paper compares Indiana's private security policy with other states in the country and notes the problems caused by the industry's lack of training and oversight.

According to the paper's 2010 Safe and Secure report card, based on a state by state evaluation of laws regulating the security industry, Indiana was graded an "F" because of a lack of background checks, initial or refresher training or licensing of officers. This ranking was 43rd in the entire country.

Speakers at the public statement emphasized the fact that passing Proposal No. 299, 2010: The Safe and Secure Bill would create stronger regulation in the private security industry, allowing for a safer local community and a more secure Marion County. The bill was heard at the Public Safety Committee later that day and, due to some necessary changes, was postponed for action until January.