The City Council is considering new legislation that, if approved, would expand the presence of safety agents to private schools.

Under existing laws, only public schools are entitled to safety officers. If the proposed bill passes, private schools that request safety officers would also be provided with extra security.

The bill, which is being sponsored by 47 of the 51 members of the Council, is a principle of universal school safety, says Councilman Ritchie Torres (D-Bronx).

The officers would keep an eye out for suspicious behavior and survey the campuses. They would also monitor who enters and exits schools. Officials say it's a particular benefit for smaller private schools that cannot afford the price tag of private security.