Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Sfmta Security topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Committee recommends SFMTA security contract to Board after unions and staff emphasize employee safety
Summary
The committee recommended the Board consider a contract with Allied Universal for armed and unarmed security services covering SFMTA facilities, increasing annual security hours about 25% (to ~233,000 hours) and an initial three‑year contract value of roughly $28.1 million, with options that could raise the total to $59 million over six years.
The Budget and Finance Committee voted to send a proposed SFMTA contract for armed and unarmed security guard services to the Board with a positive recommendation after presentations from agency staff, the Budget Legislative Analyst, and public testimony from security officers and unions.
Glenn Marr (former SFMTA chief security officer) said his assessment of roughly a dozen facilities found nine that were "severely lacking in security," and described problems staff face at unattended hours, including homeless encampments, trespassing, and workplace health hazards. He described numbers presented by the agency: current staffing provides about 187,000 security hours per year; the proposed contract would increase that to about 233,000 hours (roughly a 25% increase). Marr said the initial three‑year term is estimated at $28.1 million, with three one‑year extension options that could bring a six‑year total to $59 million.
Sevin Campbell, the Budget Legislative Analyst, recommended an amendment to clarify that the initial three‑year term amount is $28,100,000 and that the $59,000,000 not‑to‑exceed amount applies over the full six‑year potential term including extensions. Campbell also confirmed the existing vendor, Cypress Private Security, had been purchased by Allied Universal, making Allied Universal the contractor named in the agreement.
Several security officers and union representatives told the committee they support the contract and urged the city to retain a contractor subject to union protections. Haji Grice, an armed officer, and Bridal O'Gheen of SEIU USWW said a union contractor helps guarantee wages and benefits; Roger Maranco of TWU Local 258 urged expanding coverage to buses and other high‑traffic locations.
Supervisors asked staff about how guards engage with homeless encampments and individuals with mental health needs; staff said guards are trained in de‑escalation, make referrals to HSOC/311 and avoid physical confrontation, calling SFPD when safety is at risk. Staff also noted capital improvements (locks, gates, cameras) are part of a broader safety plan.
The committee accepted the BLA technical amendment and moved the item to the full Board with a positive recommendation.
Provenance: item introduced at SEG 396 and discussion and public comment run through SEG 836.
