Amending Title 9 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled “Regulation of Businesses, Trades and Profession,” by adding a new chapter entitled “Minimum Training For Security Officers.”

This ordinance, Bill No. 250646-A, effective March 1, 2026, significantly amends Title 9 of The Philadelphia Code to establish minimum training requirements for private security officers. It aims to enhance public safety by ensuring security personnel are comprehensively trained.

Key Provisions:

• Scope: The ordinance applies to any "Security Employer" (any entity employing a Security Employee) providing "Security Services" at a "Covered Property" (most properties, excluding certain "Covered Establishments" and specific firearm-licensed personnel). The "Agency" responsible for oversight is the Office of Worker Protections.
• Training Hours: Security Employees must receive a minimum of 12 hours of initial training within 90 days of hire, and 8 hours of recurrent annual training. Security Employees at colleges, universities, and hospitals require an additional 12 hours of initial training (totaling 24 hours initial). Exemptions exist for recent police officers or those with prior equivalent training.
• Training Programs: Training must be provided by a "Recognized Security Training Program" designated by the Agency. These programs must use interactive instruction, have 5 years of experience, and can be either non-profit entities or a Security Employer itself.
• Employer Responsibilities: Security Employers must cover all training costs, including compensating employees at their regular hourly rate for time spent in training. They cannot require prior certification as a condition of hire.
• Enforcement & Penalties: Violations incur a $500 fine per employee per instance. The Department of Licenses and Inspections can deny, suspend, or revoke licenses, and the Department of Procurement can deem violators ineligible for City contracts, though employers are given 90 days to remedy deficiencies.
• Employee Rights & Protections: Employees are protected from retaliation for exercising their rights, with retaliation also considered a violation of the City's Fair Practices Ordinance. Aggrieved employees can bring a civil action in court to enforce the Chapter and recover attorney's fees and costs, unless a collective bargaining agreement provides comparable remedies. Security Employers offering training programs must also provide an internal dispute resolution process with binding appeal.

This ordinance will lead to better-trained security officers in many Philadelphia buildings, potentially improving public safety and emergency response in various properties, including colleges, universities, and hospitals. Security employees will benefit from paid training and stronger protections against unfair labor practices and retaliation.

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