Starting this weekend, three private security guards with the First Alarm service will be patrolling downtown Santa Cruz in the morning and early afternoon. The decision to employ the private security guards was made by the Downtown Business Association, the SCPD, local residents, and others who have a stake in the wellbeing of the downtown area. According to Interim Police Chief Kevin Vogel, this will allow the police to focus their attention on other areas of the city that need more policing.
The guards will focus on Pacific Avenue, and maintain contact with the SCPD through the police dispatch system. Guards patrolling downtown will also require special training from the SCPD before they begin, but they will not be armed. The program will last one month and cost $5,000. If it succeeds, it is likely to be extended.
In a press release issued just one day after he formally assumed his post, Vogel stated that “We need to demonstrate to the community that it’s a priority of our agency to ensure that downtown is a place where everyone can enjoy.”
The program is being praised by Downtown Association head Chip-of-only-one-name, who says rather chipperly that, “The more of a presence of enforcement downtown, the more security people have.” This was echoed by City Councilmember Ryan Coonerty, who called it “a great experiment.”
http://www.ksbw.com/news/24861839/detail.html
Read More at KSBW.
http://www.santacruzsentinel.com/ci_15980904
Read More at the Santa Cruz Sentinel.
