Q&A
Inquiry into training of security officers at CUNY
2:52:11
·
121 sec
Council Member Eric Dinowitz questions Chancellor Felix Matos Rodriguez about the training of security officers at CUNY, particularly those hired during emergencies. The discussion reveals concerns about the adequacy of training for contract security officers.
- There are questions about the training received by emergency security officers
- Chancellor Matos Rodriguez explains that contract security officers receive some training from CUNY, but it's not as extensive as for permanent peace officers
- The conversation highlights potential gaps in training for temporary security personnel at CUNY campuses
Eric Dinowitz
2:52:11
And one other I I we have different faces.
2:52:18
We received information that the the the safety officers who are higher than emergency safety officers, there was a complaint that they did not receive the proper training.
2:52:30
Can you comment on that?
Felix Matos Rodriguez
2:52:32
That the
Eric Dinowitz
2:52:35
that the safety officers, during the the encampments, they were increased security, but they were not trained.
2:52:46
They were, according to this, untrained and unprofessional contract security officers to supplement the trained peace officers.
2:52:54
So
Felix Matos Rodriguez
2:52:54
If those are under contract, they they do training based on the company that that that employs them.
2:53:01
And then when they come to us, they receive some training about our rules on our campuses and and and the expectations of them, whether they're with us on the campus.
Eric Dinowitz
2:53:09
So even so while we support, let's say, the the emergency contract, you need to get things done very quickly.
2:53:16
The only training they would have received was from, the company that's being hired.
2:53:21
No additional training or information
Felix Matos Rodriguez
2:53:23
They get some training when they come to us.
2:53:25
Right?
2:53:25
But it's not the same training as our peace officers who've been through an academy and with us being for longer.
Eric Dinowitz
2:53:30
And the company you hire doesn't, have any of the same guidelines, that they're prepared in the event.
2:53:36
And now that you have a contract with them, which is, I think, longer term than just, you know, we immediately need this.
2:53:42
That's long you've allocated a a a a certain amount of money for a certain number of hours.
2:53:47
The contract wasn't filled.
2:53:49
They didn't do whatever was 3 weeks 247.
2:53:52
During that time, is there any additional training that takes
Felix Matos Rodriguez
2:53:55
place?
2:53:55
One of the things that and and what we also wanted to bring additional people is by the president of the campus, right, and being part of the meetings with public safety and all of that, they get to know the students and know the campus and be more readily, to be ready to deal with any circumstance.
