A bill to enhance school security guard training, sponsored by Sen. Monica Martinez, recently passed the New York State Senate, will be presented to the Assembly this winter and then, possibly delivered to the governor.
The School Security Guard Training Enhancement Act will require those seeking employment as a school security guard, including but not limited to police officers that have been retired for more than five years, to obtain additional training in the form of a specialized certification.
This certification will cover topics conducive to serving the youth population in an educational environment, including but not limited to, role and responsibility of school security officers, school-related laws and liability, security awareness in an educational environment, youth mediation/conflict resolution, disasters and emergencies, dynamics of student behavior and cultural awareness, DASA, crisis prevention and restorative justice.
The bill will also require specialized certification and training program to be implemented and enforced by the department of state, in consultation with the department of education and the department of criminal justice services, the division of homeland security and emergency services, state police and local law enforcement.
The current license is not specific to schools, but rather covers all guards and teaches things like loss prevention rather than topics like student de-escalation or threat assessment.
The idea for the bill, which originally came from former Sachem BOE member Jim Kiernan, a retired police officer and William Floyd security director, and was supported by Sayville school’s board member James Bertsch, was to equip school security guards with adequate training.
According to Kiernan, the current training includes eight hours of pre-assignment training, 16 hours of training on the job up front; then, eight hours every year.
“The up-front eight and 16 are transferable from a factory to a school,” he said. “ So it’s possible you have zero experience with kids, yet you now work in schools.”
In 2022, both Kiernan and Bertsch brought the idea to Martinez. That same year, matching resolutions were passed by both the Sayville and Sachem school boards of education. By 2023, the resolution was adopted by the New York School Boards Association as a legislative priority. Martinez then wrote the bill, which passed this spring.
Sen. Monica Martinez
“The school setting is unique and requires specialized training to maintain a safe environment where students can thrive. With the rise in school-related violence, school safety is more urgent than ever. As a former educator, I know that children have distinct comprehension and emotional needs, requiring a different approach than other age groups. By understanding these needs, school security guards will be better able to de-escalate situations and protect students. We must support our students, teachers, staff, and communities by implementing measures that safeguard their well-being. This measure will help secure their safety.”
Paul Manzo, superintendent of East Islip School District
“The topic of school security has and continues to be a top priority for our school district, and our safety officers are an integral part of our staff. We will continue to provide them with the required training and support to best support our efforts to maintain a safe and secure learning environment for all. At its current state, this bill looks to strengthen and uphold the district’s belief that all students and staff should be treated with dignity and respect. We look forward to learning more about it as it passes through the proper legislative channels.”
Dr. Dennis O’Hara, superintendent of Islip School District
“Anything that helps the public and our security better comprehend that security in a school system is different than security in general, only stands to benefit. I would support the bill. Part of our annual security guard training already includes a session about working and recognizing children with special needs. We already provide training and professional development regarding youth mediation and conflict resolution for our security guards as part of the training they get twice a year, but I think it will be helpful for everybody.”
Dr. Sharon Dungee, superintendent of Central Islip School District
“I believe that additional training for school security guards is crucial. Our primary responsibility is to ensure the safety and well-being of our students and staff. Enhanced training tailored to the unique environment of schools can better prepare our security personnel to handle the specific challenges they may encounter on a daily basis.
Overall, I am inclined to support the bill being signed into law. The additional training and certification requirements it proposes seem to be a positive step towards enhancing the safety of our schools. However, it will be important to monitor the implementation process to ensure that it effectively meets the needs of our educational environments without imposing undue burdens on school districts. I support the intent of the bill, but it is important that school districts are provided the necessary resources and funding to implement programs with their security guards to ensure that districts are fully equipped and prepared for full implementation.”
Dr. Steven Maloney, superintendent of Bay Shore School District
"The Bay Shore School District places a high priority on the security of our students, staff, and buildings. We hire highly qualified individuals for security guard positions, many of whom are retired law enforcement officers. The district remains committed to ensuring our safety protocols and training are in line with current best practices, requirements, and recommendations.”
Dr. Paul Romanelli, superintendent of West Islip School District
“The safety and security of our students and staff are our top priorities. As a district, we are committed to enhancing our security measures and increasing training and standards for all personnel. By maintaining rigorous security standards, we aim to create a safe and supportive learning environment for all.”
