Philly school police seek improved pay, training, and new uniforms to enhance student safety.

The Philadelphia School District is currently navigating critical negotiations involving its 350 school safety officers, who are advocating for improved pay and recognition as fundamental players in ensuring students’ safety. This push comes in light of a broader settlement reached between the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers and the district, with the hope that it may encourage favorable outcomes for related negotiations.

Two significant unions within the district, the Commonwealth Association of School Administrators Local 502 and the School Police Association of Philadelphia, face looming contract deadlines similar to the one just resolved by the teachers’ union. As of now, there have been no scheduled discussions for the latter unions, leaving them in a state of uncertainty regarding their future contracts.

Bernadette Ambrose-Smith, president of the safety officers’ union, expressed concern about the lack of communication from the district. Many officers within the union love their roles and are dedicated to the children they serve, but they feel their professional efforts have not been adequately acknowledged by the school district.

Historically, school officers often dedicated their careers to the school district, with many coming from prior experiences as city police officers. However, recent changes in supervision, such as shifting responsibilities and a title change to “school safety officer,” have made many feel that their roles have become increasingly demanding without a corresponding increase in compensation. Currently, starting salaries are set at approximately ,526 annually, with a maximum salary reaching only ,256 for those not on year-round contracts, which offer slightly higher pay.

The union has observed a concerning trend: the average tenure of officers is declining, with many leaving the profession for better-paying opportunities elsewhere. Ambrose-Smith noted that it is common for these officers to juggle multiple jobs just to make ends meet, creating instability within the safety force. Negotiations aim to establish a contractual environment that promotes long-term careers in school safety.

In addition to pay, safety equipment requirements are high on the negotiation list. Presently, bulletproof vests are only issued to patrol officers, while the union contends that all safety officers should have access to this essential equipment. Concerns about officer safety have risen, particularly in light of incidents that have raised alarms about vulnerabilities within school environments.

The union is also carefully analyzing the types of uniforms worn by safety officers, which were altered under previous leadership to promote accessibility. There is a growing call for uniforms that visibly distinguish these officers and reinforce their protective roles within schools. Training, particularly related to de-escalation techniques and mental health interactions, is also a priority to ensure officers are adequately prepared for the demands of their job.

A key issue revolves around the use of advanced weapons detection technologies in schools, which, while innovative, are not foolproof and do not effectively screen for certain weapons, creating safety concerns. Union requests for bargaining on this technology have remained unaddressed, prompting further apprehension regarding safety protocols.

As negotiations continue, both Ambrose-Smith and her union members remain committed to advocating for necessary reforms and better agreements that recognize the critical role they play in maintaining safety within Philadelphia’s schools. They believe it is essential for the district to engage in meaningful dialogue to ensure that those responsible for student and staff safety are appropriately trained and compensated, reflecting the gravity of their responsibilities. The district has not provided a response to queries regarding these pressing issues as of the latest report.