In addition to the California state-mandated 40 hours of first-time guard training, security firms seeking to meet the standards of the new training program must provide at least an additional eight to 24 hours of specialized training, depending on the size of the building. Firms must also agree to stringent insurance requirements, operating and financial standards, a code of conduct, crisis communications training and compliance with all city, state and federal requirements.
BOMA represents more than 110 million sf of commercial property, notes Martha Cox-Nitikman, senior director of government and public affairs for the organization. Building safety has been at the forefront of BOMA programssince the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 and in light of continued global terrorism.
BOMA formed its Alliance for Safety in January. One of its main goals is to implement a comprehensive public safety plan that coordinates communication and training efforts between emergency agencies and commercial building owners and managers. Jeff Flint, executive director of the California Association of Licensed Security Agencies, Guards and Associates, says the new training program "will be a model for other cities across the country."
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