A few weeks ago, public safety workers from across the country came together in Washington, D.C. for a powerful convening hosted by SEIU International’s Public Safety Council. The gathering brought together correctional staff, 911 dispatchers, sheriff’s departments, probation and parole employees—including both sworn and non-sworn personnel—for a focused discussion on the future of public safety work.
The council meeting centered on building collective power through strategic communication, leadership development, and multi-stakeholder engagement. Participants shared best practices for working with community partners, employers, and labor-management teams to ensure safety remains a top priority in every workplace.
One of the key themes was the importance of forging unlikely alliances. Attendees explored how collaboration with diverse stakeholders can lead to stronger outcomes for workers and the communities they serve. From developing effective memorandums of understanding to advocating for livable wages and comprehensive benefits, the council emphasized the need for unity and innovation in tackling shared challenges. This event was more than a meeting—it was a chance to build solidarity across job classifications and geographic boundaries. By coming together, public safety workers reaffirmed their commitment to creating safer workplaces and attracting new talent to the field through improved working conditions and respect for the essential services they provide.