Rally for Better Training, Pay and Benefits for Security Guards

A small rally was held downtown on Tuesday. Those gathered wanted better training and benefits for security officers in downtown buildings.

Security guards who spoke said the training for them is informal and limited while they are the first line of defense, often responding to emergencies before police, firefighters or paramedics arrive.

"Private security officers protect thousands of people who work in downtown Pittsburgh. As a matter of public safety these security officers should have standardized training to do their work," said Allegheny County Council President Rich Fitzgerald.

In other areas, metropolitan areas security officers participate in standardized training.

Barney Ousler, Director of Pittsburgh United said in the wake of the disappearance of manufacturing jobs there is an obligation to ensure service industry jobs pay a living wage.