Ahead of major events in 2026, thousands of private security officers in the city are pushing for a new bill mandating 40 hours of initial training
As Philadelphia prepares to take the global stage for events like the FIFA World Cup and the nation’s 250th anniversary celebration in 2026, a crucial front line of public safety—the city’s private security officers—is sounding the alarm over safety standards and inadequate training.
Thousands of private security officers, represented by SEIU 32BJ, are urging the City Council to pass a proposed bill that would mandate significantly more comprehensive training, arguing they are currently ill-equipped to handle the complex situations they encounter daily.
“If we’re here to serve and protect, how are we going to do our job properly in the way we’re supposed to do it if we don’t have the right training we deserve,” stated Beverly Thorpe, an SEIU 32BJ member, highlighting a gap between duty and preparedness.
Bill Seeks Professional Standards
The legislation, introduced by Councilmember Isaiah Thomas, targets employers with 15 or more security officers and proposes to dramatically elevate industry standards. The bill would require a minimum of 40 hours of initial training for new hires, followed by eight hours of annual refresher training.
The mandated curriculum would focus on critical, life-saving and de-escalation skills, including:
CPR and Emergency Response
De-escalation Techniques
Mental Health Awareness
Tyrone Patterson, a member of the SEIU 32BJ executive board, stressed the urgency of these skills. “We need to be trained to deal with the things that we encounter,” he said.
SEIU 32BJ represents approximately 3,000 of the estimated 14,000 security officers working across Philadelphia’s vital infrastructure.
Lifting Standards for Major Events
Union leaders frame the proposed bill not just as a labor issue but as a crucial public safety measure, especially with the anticipated influx of global visitors for the 2026 events. The lack of standard, rigorous training across the industry is seen as a major vulnerability.
“These officers live in this city. They protect every single building you’ve probably ever walked into – every hospital, every higher ed university across our city,” noted Daisy Cruz, SEIU 32BJ Mid Atlantic district leader.
Cruz concluded that the union is “just asking to make sure the training bill passes because we’re trying to lift standards, professionalize this industry,” ensuring that the security workforce responsible for protecting the city’s hospitals, universities, and commercial properties is prepared for the high-pressure environment of a global host city.
