New NYC Security Guard Wage Requirements Are Coming in 2027: Are You Ready?
Property owners, building managers, condominium and cooperative boards, commercial and residential properties, and other organizations that rely on security services should understand the changes and begin preparing now.
Local Law 61 of 2026, known as the Aland Etienne Safety and Security Act, was named in honor of security officer Aland Etienne, who was killed while on duty during the July 2025 shooting at 345 Park Avenue in Manhattan.
The New Requirements Will Be Phased In From 2027 Through 2029
January 1, 2027: New minimum-wage requirements begin.
January 1, 2028: Paid-time-off requirements take effect.
January 1, 2029: Supplemental-benefit requirements begin.
For properties requiring multiple officers or 24/7 coverage, these changes could have a significant impact on security budgets. Reviewing current operations before the requirements take effect gives property owners more time to plan rather than react.
Who Should Be Preparing for the Changes?
The law establishes new standards for certain covered private-sector security guards in New York City. For property owners and managers that rely on contracted or on-site security personnel, this is an important time to review existing staffing arrangements, post responsibilities, security contracts, and projected costs.
Because coverage under Local Law 61 can depend on specific circumstances, properties should obtain appropriate legal or labor guidance when determining how the law applies to individual employees or arrangements.
Higher Costs Don't Have to Mean Less Security
The answer is not necessarily to cut security. The answer is to use your security budget smarter.
Security USA® Inc. can help property owners and managers review their security programs by combining the right personnel with technology and 24/7 operational support.
Depending on the property, a customized security program can combine:
- Licensed professional security officers
- Doorman and concierge personnel for appropriate front-of-house functions
- 24/7 Security USA® Inc. Command Center support
- CCTV monitoring and video analytics
- Access-control technology
- Mobile patrol and rapid response
- Incident escalation and management oversight
- Fire and life-safety support
Not every function requires the same solution. Some locations require a trained security officer. Others may be better supported through a combination of concierge personnel, remote monitoring, technology, and mobile response.
The objective is not simply to reduce manpower. It is to put the right people in the right positions and support them with the right technology.
This can help properties maintain strong security while managing the financial impact of the new requirements.
Property Owners Should Prepare Now, Not in 2027
Security USA® Inc. has provided professional security services since 2001. Our team can review an existing security program, staffing structure, and technology and develop a customized approach designed around the property's security requirements and budget.
Property owners, developers, managers, and boards can schedule a complimentary Zoom consultation with Security USA® Inc. to review their current security program and discuss how to prepare for 2027.
This article is provided for general informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Applicability of Local Law 61 may depend on actual employee duties, licensing requirements, contractual arrangements, and statutory exclusions.
