Adams, Labor Leaders Introduce Allan Etienne Safety and Security Act to Raise Standards for City Security Officers

New York City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams and union and community leaders introduced the Allan Etienne Safety and Security Act at a City Council event, proposing new minimum pay, paid leave, benefits and training standards for private security officers citywide.

The measure, introduced at the council’s stated meeting, would direct the New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection to establish and enforce minimum pay standards, paid sick leave and paid vacation, benefits and mandatory training for security officers; create a dedicated unit within DCWP and an advocate to inform workers and employers of rights; and establish a complaint-and-tracking system for enforcement, supporters said.

"Security officers are integral to New York City's public safety infrastructure," Speaker Adrienne Adams said. "They put their lives on the line and sacrifice so much to protect New Yorkers. Yet, our city security guards are not always compensated or treated like the essential workers they are."

Labor leaders framed the bill as a response to the July 28 Midtown shooting that killed Alain (also spelled Allen/Alon in remarks) Etienne, a 32BJ security officer at 345 Park Avenue. "Alan gave his life protecting others. He's a true New York hero," Israel Melendez, a 32BJ vice president, said. Smith Etienne, the slain officer’s brother, told the event: "Alan died a hero."

Security officers and union representatives described the bill’s aims in practical terms. Presenters said the law would reduce turnover, improve preparedness and morale, and require training on emergency response and active-shooter situations. "Fair pay and real training should not be treated as privileges, but as necessities," Council Member Crystal Hudson said.

A security officer who spoke at the event, Ibrahim Sen, described personal risk on the job: "Every time I clock in at my job, I feel like I may be taking a risk in order to provide my family," he said, and urged passage of the Etienne measure so officers could gain health care, paid time off and training.

Supporters said the city has more than 80,000 security officers (speakers referenced figures of about 80,000–82,000) who often live in a high-cost city on low wages. Labor allies at the event included 32BJ, Local 1199, the New York Working Families Party and the NAACP Mid-Manhattan branch. Several council members — including Mercedes Narcisse, Crystal Hudson, Julie Menon, Justin Brannan and Carmen De La Rosa — voiced support and pledged to shepherd the bill through committee.

Adams and presenters described the bill as the first step in a legislative process. "Once this legislation becomes law, we will attribute this historic law to its namesake," Adams said, and noted the measure was being introduced at the stated meeting. No vote or final legislative action was recorded at the event; sponsors said the bill will move through the council's legislative process and committee review.

Organizers also described other supports secured for Etienne’s family: Narcisse said she helped secure a scholarship from the Brooklyn diocese for Etienne’s son. Event speakers repeatedly framed the bill as honoring Etienne’s sacrifice while addressing longer-term workforce and public-safety concerns.

The proposal’s details — including specific wage levels, funding sources, enforcement timeline and whether employers or the city would bear costs for equipment such as bullet-resistant vests — were discussed as goals rather than finalized items at the event. Supporters said the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection would be charged with writing and enforcing any standards established by the legislation.

The bill introduction drew broad public and labor support at the event but no formal Council vote was recorded during the program. Sponsors said they expect the measure to go to relevant committees, where staff analysis, cost estimates and draft language will be developed before any council vote.

Proponents said the aim is to reduce turnover, improve officer training and safety, and ensure that private security workers — many of whom are Black and Latino — have wages and protections that match the risks of their work.