News | AFSCME Public Safety

Stock image of a police officer wearing a badge.

Jun. 03, 2025

News

We mourn and honor AFSCME’s fallen heroes during National Law Enforcement Week

During the annual candlelight vigil that’s part of National Law Enforcement Week, the names of officers killed in the line of duty in the past year were

We mourn and honor AFSCME’s fallen heroes during National Law Enforcement Week

Stock image of police car. Photo credit: Getty.

Jun. 03, 2025

News

Mayors warn that cuts to Medicaid will weaken public safety, emergency services

A letter sent by our country’s mayors to lawmakers in Washington last week spotlighted how cuts to Medicaid will make our communities less safe.

Mayors warn that cuts to Medicaid will weaken public safety, emergency services

Apr. 17, 2025

News

Let’s thank emergency dispatchers for saving lives

We thank 911 dispatchers, emergency phone operators and other emergency telecommunications workers for saving lives every day.

Let’s thank emergency dispatchers for saving lives

Stock image of a pair of hands wearing medical gloves and holding dental tools. Photo credit: Getty Images/Luis Alvarez

Mar. 07, 2025

News

Powered by her union, this dental hygienist thrives while working in a prison

When Marci Smith started working part-time in Illinois prisons in 1997, the dental hygienist had a second job working in private practice. She says that she found the private practice work a little boring, whereas working in a prison brought new challenges every day.

Powered by her union, this dental hygienist thrives while working in a prison

Stock image of barbed wire at a corrections facility. Photo credit: Getty Images/Aydinmutlu.

Mar. 05, 2025

News

No room for profit: corrections officers, staff take a stand against privatization

For corrections officers like Amanda Biggins, defeating prison privatization is much more important than party politics. It’s about keeping her union contract with fair wages, health care and working conditions.

No room for profit: corrections officers, staff take a stand against privatization

Photo credit: AFSCME Maryland Council 3.

Feb. 27, 2025

News

Maryland state supervisors overwhelmingly choose AFSCME as their union

ANNAPOLIS, Md. – Great news out of Maryland!

Maryland state supervisors overwhelmingly choose AFSCME as their union

Stock image of corrections officers. Photo credit: Getty Images.

Feb. 27, 2025

News

Curbing the corrections staffing crisis in Illinois

A staffing crisis is plaguing prisons across the country.

Curbing the corrections staffing crisis in Illinois

Stock image of an airport terminal. Photo credit: Getty Images.

Feb. 04, 2025

News

Rhode Island airport police, firefighters have ‘no confidence’ in management

UPDATE: Members of Local 2873, Council 94 announced that they have a ratified a new contract on March 13, 2025.

Rhode Island airport police, firefighters have ‘no confidence’ in management

Members of Council 82 with New York state Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara (center, yellow tie, in front of the flag). Photo credit: Aaron Gallant/AFSCME.

Feb. 03, 2025

News

New York’s public safety professionals celebrate new PTSD law

Members of the New York State Law Enforcement Officers Union (AFSCME Council 82), are celebrating a new law that will expand post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) benefits to all workers.

New York’s public safety professionals celebrate new PTSD law

Jan. 17, 2025

News

As fires devastate Los Angeles, AFSCME members continue to serve

The ongoing wildfires in Los Angeles have devastated parts of that city, destroying tens of thousands of homes,

As fires devastate Los Angeles, AFSCME members continue to serve