Security guards deserve more
Published: June 20, 2007
Ken Thorbourne's article "Cops' security guards getting new system," spotlighted Jersey City police officers doing off-duty security work. However, it misses the larger issue on overall security and how the new law will adversely affect the state's thousands of security officers who protect potential terrorist targets such as Newark International Airport. The state's new Security Officer Registration Act - while its intentions are good -will force underpaid security officers to pay hundreds of dollars in registration and training fees without any help from the well-paid private security firms they work for. Since 9/11, officers have seen their responsibilities grow, but not their wages. Something is wrong with the private security industry, and the building owners who still rely on these irresponsible contractors, when officers are barely making enough to get by.
KYLE BRAGG VICE PRESIDENT, SEIU LOCAL 32BJ