Detroit public schools outsource security
Detroit Public Schools (DPS) fired all of its 226 security officers Friday and hired a private company to provide in-school security; the move will save the district an estimated $5.5 million through a one-year contract
The Detroit Public Schools (DPS) fired all of its 226 security officers Friday and hired a private company to provide in-school security, officials announced Monday.
The Detroit Free Press reports that the district will save an estimated $5.5 million through a one-year contract with Securitas Security Services, a company with more than 100,000 security officers nationwide. During the 2009-10 school year, DPS hired Securitas to supply officers to patrol four high schools.
DPS security officers held a rally to protest the privatization last month, calling the change union-busting and a danger to students. The DPS deputized police force was not affected by the privatization.
DPS is facing a deficit of $363 million. The Securitas contract runs through 30 June.
