Two Los Angeles City Councilmembers proposed legislation that would require training, living wages and health benefits for security guards who work in the city's high-rise buildings.

During a press conference held April 5, City Council President Eric Garcetti and Fifth District Councilman Jack Weiss said they plan to introduce a motion today requesting an ordinance. Second District Councilwoman Wendy Greuel, also present, said she plans to second the motion.

Several months ago, the City Council passed "safe and secure" legislation asking building owners to adopt voluntary measures to improve the training of security officers, the stability of the workforce and coordination between private and public first responders.

Garcetti and Wise said private industry has made few solid attempts to deal with any of these issues.

"Some may ask why the city is meddling in the marketplace," Garcetti said. "As lawmakers, we have no greater responsibility than to ensure the highest security possible for the men and women who live and work in our city."

The lack of training for security officers and high turnover resulting from poor wages and the absence of health benefits is impacting the safety of the city, he said.

A study of 37 high-rise buildings in downtown Los Angeles and Century City by the Los Angeles Alliance for a New Economy reported turnover rates among security officers ranging from 60 percent to 243 percent annually.

The motion proposed by Garcetti and Wise targets the city's high-rise commercial buildings and other highly trafficked venues. It makes several stipulations as to what they would like to see in the final resolution.

Employers of security officers would be required to provide a minimum amount of health care for their employees in an effort to improve retention. The motion didn't make specific recommendations about wages.

Owners of specified buildings would be required to file a periodic report with an appropriate city agency regarding security contractor's training, turnover and compliance with applicable laws.

The legislation is also aimed at improving coordination between security guards and the city's fire and police departments.

The training recommended by the legislation would be created by the city's fire department and overseen by the fire, police and emergency preparedness departments.

Safety certification would be required for building owners under a program developed by police, fire and emergency preparedness departments.

"Private security officers are the first line of defense at some of the region's most attractive terrorist targets," said Weiss, who chairs the City Council's Public Safety Committee. "In an attack or other disaster, private security officers can make split-second decisions that save lives before police and firefighters arrive. The city must insure that security officers have the necessary training and experience to fulfill this responsibility."