NY Will Hire Private Security For Migrant Centers
New York city hall is planning to enlist the services of private security guards to patrol migrant facilities in NYC. This move has raised concerns as the task is considered too risky and unstable even for trained peace officers.
Gregory Floyd, the head of Teamsters Local 237, representing peace officers who typically protect schools, college campuses, and hospitals, expressed reservations about the idea. He pointed out that some migrants in these facilities may be gang members, making the situation volatile and dangerous. Additionally, he highlighted the uncertainty surrounding the proper vetting of all migrants, noting that all peace officer members are unarmed.
NYC Health and Hospitals, responsible for overseeing a dozen Humanitarian Emergency Response and Relief Centers (HERRCs), has issued a request for bids to hire private security guards for the 50,000-plus migrants under their care. The cost of this additional coverage is not specified, but the current services for the growing population of migrant asylum-seekers already cost New York City taxpayers nearly $8 million per day, according to city officials. Mayor Eric Adams estimates that the total cost for addressing the recent crisis could reach $4.5 billion by next June.
While NYPD officers have been observed at some migrant facilities, the police department is facing staffing challenges and has conveyed concerns about issues such as forced overtime and burdensome oversight, as expressed by the city’s police union.
According to the request for proposals, the city aims to hire a private contractor to respond to the significant influx of asylum seekers in New York. The primary role of the security personnel would be to ensure the safety of both guests and staff while creating a welcoming and secure environment for all individuals at the facilities. The request emphasizes the importance of enforcing safety protocols and procedures established by the HERRCs.
While concerns have been raised about the mixing of migrant children with single men at the shelters, as of yet, there have been no reported crimes or safety issues at the HERRC sites.
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