First Alarm Security Service is already patrolling Downtown Santa Cruz and the Wharf. A new, four-week pilot program has it patrolling Harvey West Park as well. While routine police patrols will continue in the park, this will allow the SCPD to devote more officers to work on what it considers to be “serious crimes.” First Alarm staff patrol the park with handcuffs and radios, and they can detain suspects, but the police must be notified and make the actual arrests. In general, their role is to “detect, deter, observe and report.”
First Alarm Security Service is already patrolling Downtown Santa Cruz and the Wharf. A new, four-week pilot program has it patrolling Harvey West Park as well. While routine police patrols will continue in the park, this will allow the SCPD to devote more officers to work on what it considers to be “serious crimes.” First Alarm staff patrol the park with handcuffs and radios, and they can detain suspects, but the police must be notified and make the actual arrests. In general, their role is to “detect, deter, observe and report.”
Local businesses say the move endorses the neighborhood “as a vital part of the city.” Read more at Santa Cruz Sentinel.
