"Any cooperative and information partnering with the NYPD regarding the ever-present terrorist threat is positive one and we applaud it," says Bobbi McGowan, CAE, BOMA/NY executive director. "BOMA/NY as the building industry's representative enjoys such a partnership and the result for our members has been well informed and well-trained first responders operating our buildings, and a more educated tenant public."

In fact, many of BOMA/NY members are in a program where they hire former NYPD officers to advise on security. BOMA/NY has also held many seminars with the NYPD advising on security.

Shield is a central point for private sector security managers to obtain information and engage police department resources. Communication works both ways as the police will also seek information from its private sector partners. The police will also provide security assessments and training programs.

Earlier this year, the city started New York Safe & Secure, a pilot training program for security officers in the city's commercial offices. The program provides security officers in buildings managed by Fisher Brothers and Vornado with 40 hours of in-depth commercial building security training above and beyond the eight hours required by New York State. The curriculum involves modern security concerns and includes segments on terrorism, evacuation procedures and coordination with police, fire and emergency personnel during a crisis. Initially, 253 security officers from 31 Midtown buildings owned and operated by Fisher and Vornado took part in the pilot program with the expectation that the program will be expanded to include additional owners and buildings.

In 2002, the Partnership for New York City recruited business leaders to join Local 32BJ and real estate leaders for a series of discussions that examined strategies to raise the professional qualifications of building security personnel. In May 2004, Local 32BJ, the Realty Advisory Board and the Real Estate Board of New York began a similar labor-management security training program.

Instant Insights /

NYPD Initiates Security Program

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