Local pol’s plea for more school security guards becomes law

January 5, 2016 Meaghan McGoldrick

Photo courtesy of Councilmember David Greenfield

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A new law that will provide non-public schoolchildren with trained, equipped and well compensated security guards alike was signed by Mayor Bill de Blasio on Tuesday, January 5.

The historic legislation, Introduction 65-A – penned by local Councilmember David Greenfield – will take effect on April 1 of this year, protecting as many as 200,000 children attending hundreds of non-public schools in the process.

“All of New York’s children, regardless of where they go to school, deserve to be safe in school,” said Greenfield. “I am extremely grateful to Mayor Bill de Blasio and proud that after five years of hard work that our vision of protecting every child in New York City has become a reality.”

De Blasio was not alone in supporting Greenfield’s efforts.

“Every student needs a safe environment in which to learn,” said Councilmember Vanessa Gibson, chair of the Committee on Public Safety. “As biased and nonbiased related violence rises on campuses and in classrooms around the country, it is essential we find creative solutions to maintain security in all our schools.”

Currently, every New York City public school receives security provided by New York City Police Department school safety agents – regardless of its size, location or the particular threats to campus security. Until now, non-public schools were never granted comparable security.

“This first-of-its-kind program in New York City is going to help keep more of our children safe, regardless of what type of school they attend,” added Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito.