Gov. Davis Signs Bill (AB 2880) Increasing Training Requirement from 3 Hrs. to 40 Hrs California security officers and the International Union of Security, Police and Fire Professionals of America, SPFPA won a major victory today in their efforts to raise private security standards that will help protect building tenants and the public. California Gov. Gray Davis signed AB 2880, sponsored by SPFPA and authored by Assembly member Edward Chavez (La Puente), increasing the state's training requirement for private security officers from 3 hours to 40 hours. California now has the highest standards governing the private security industry of any U.S. state.

According to the new law, as of July 1, 2004, every newly licensed private security officer will have 40 hours of training, 8 hours before starting their job and 32 hours within their first six months on the job. In addition, every officer will be required to undergo at least eight hours of annual practice and review of security officer skills in order to maintain their license.

There are more than 160,000 private security officers in California. Private security is one of the top ten fastest growing jobs in California and the nation. More than billion a year is spent on private security in America - more than twice the amount spent on public police forces ( billion).

Also today, Governor Davis signed separate SEIU-sponsored security legislation, AB 2780, authored by Assembly member Ellen Corbett (San Leandro), which will increase accountability in the private security industry by strengthening enforcement of state standards. The new law ensures "whistleblower" protection for security officers and provides for a consumer complaint process for tenants and other California residents concerned about the quality of security in buildings where they live and work.

SPFPA, America's Union for Security Professionals and the nation's largest sponsored the legislation as part of the effort by security officers in California to professionalize and stabilize the workforce, and raise standards throughout the private security industry. Two weeks ago, Gov. Davis signed another SPFPA-sponsored bill that tightens background checks for security officers. Today's news comes on the heels of actions taken this week by the L.A. City Council and L.A. Board of Supervisors in support of the officers' efforts to raise standards. For more information about SPFPA visit their web site at http://www.SPFPA.ORG.