Stand For Security

New Report Shows the Stability of Chicago’s Security at Risk

While the need for quality security officers has never been greater, a new report finds that low pay, high turnover and inconsistent training could undermine Chicago's ability to retain experienced, qualified security officers.

Though Chicago had been held up as a model for creating a stable, professional security force, the report by SEIU Local 1 finds that our city is on the verge of falling behind other cities and could fail to meet the security challenges facing today’s global cities.

Download First Defense: Chicago's Security at a Crossroads

Read the Executive Summary.

I Am Chicago's Security

Deirdre Leach

Deirdre Leach is an example typical in Chicago’s security industry.

She is at the top of the wage scale after five years as a security officer at Chase Tower. Working full time she only makes $23,192—well below the $38,628 that the Economic Policy Institute found a family of three, like Deirdre and her two sons, needs just to cover their basic expenses in Chicago.

“I make smaller meals because we have to stretch our budget,” she said. “Some dinners we just have vegetables because we can’t afford meat.”

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Albert Higgins

131 S. Dearborn

“For 17 years, I’ve protected Chicago, but my commitment to my job has come with great sacrifice. I always wanted to give my three children the life that I didn’t have as a child, but to do that I’ve had to work 60 to 80 hour work weeks. On $9 to $12 an hour, I do not know of any security officer who can provide for their household just by working a regular 40 hour work week.”

Stand for Security News Clips

Good for security guards, and us
LA Times
Jan. 25, 2008

Security Guards Strike in Minneapolis-St. Paul
Finance and Commerce
Feb. 25, 2008

Security Officers Rally Downtown, Block Traffic
Seattle Post Intelligencer
Feb. 25, 2008