After months of activity by Pittsburgh security officers forming their first-ever market-wide union with SEIU 32BJ, the Pittsburgh City Council unanimously passed a new security officer training law.
Security officers, maintenance staff and janitors will be required to receive training from a school certified by the city fire bureau. The training covers the role of security officers, laws and liability, use of force, terrorism, ethics, emergency response, medical emergencies, fire, chemical spills, and other topics.
“This means a lot to the security guards across this city. We know that we will be able to do our jobs better when called upon in an emergency,” said security officer Maria Centeno. “We care about the buildings and the tenants we protect, and want to do the best job we can. We already wear a uniform, but this training brings added knowledge and professionalism.”