Bill > S00194

This bill, known as the "school security guard training enhancement act," mandates that security guards employed or contracted by schools in New York State must complete specialized training tailored to a school environment as part of their required annual in-service training. This school-specific curriculum will cover topics relevant to working with students and within educational settings, such as understanding the role and responsibilities of school security guards, school-related laws and liability, security awareness in schools, youth mediation and conflict resolution, disaster and emergency preparedness, understanding student behavior and cultural awareness, considerations for students with disabilities and special education needs, restorative practices, crisis prevention, and the Dignity for All Students Act (DASA). This new training will be designed and enforced by the Department of State, in consultation with other state agencies like the State Education Department and the Division of Criminal Justice Services, and will be standardized and approved statewide. The bill also amends the Executive Law to ensure the Department of State consults with and cooperates with other state agencies concerning school security guard training.