Governor signs CALSAGA sponsored Senate Bill 666

CALSAGA is thrilled to report that Senate Bill 666 was signed late last night by Governor Schwarzenegger!  We applaud the Governor for his continued commitment to the security industry in a move we believe will further professionalize the security industry, while adding an additional layer of protection for consumers and the public.

As you know, SB 666 will mandate proprietary security officers (PSOs) to complete a course of initial and ongoing training designed specifically for the type of security and jobsite provided by the PSO.  This is different from the 40 hour training requirement that CALSAGA originally sought after, but rather a compromise that was worked out between proprietary security employers, contract security firms and the Legislature.

Authored by Senator Abel Maldonado (R – Santa Maria) and sponsored by CALSAGA, Senate Bill 666 is an important step in requiring that all security officers in California are subject to security officer training as part of their initial and ongoing professional development.  Currently, only contract security officers are required to complete training. 

“The signing of this bill is another step in professionalizing the security industry, while adding an additional layer of protection to the public and consumers,” said Jeff Flint, CALSAGA Association Manager.  “We applaud the Governor for acknowledging the need to mandate training for all security officers in California and think this bill is the first step in getting us there.”

The State’s regulatory agency, the Bureau of Security & Investigative Services (BSIS) has been tasked with developing training curriculum with assistance from an advisory committee made up of sports/entertainment complex owners, retailers, restaurants, among others prior to June 30, 2008. 

Once the training standards are agreeable between all interested parties, CALSAGA will look to propose a bill next year that adopts the training curriculum submitted from the advisory committee and send to the Governor for his signature.  

The staff would like to thank all the members who submitted support letters to the Governor and to other key policy makers throughout the year.  Your participation in the process was instrumental to our success!