The City of West Hollywood announces the launch of a new and easy-to-remember toll-free phone number for its Block by Block Security Ambassadors Program: (833) WEHO-BBB or (833) 934-6222. The hotline manages incoming calls 24-hours-a-day, 7-days-a-week. While the phone number is voice-only at launch, a text function will be implemented in the future and will be announced. The hotline is part of the expansion of the City’s Block by Block Security Ambassadors program, which has a direct positive impact on safety and neighborhood livability.
In recent weeks, the City implemented four Block by Block kiosk locations throughout West Hollywood, which are staffed by Security Ambassadors. The Block by Block program has added personnel, as well; there are now approximately 85 Security Ambassadors in the City of West Hollywood. The addition of the new toll-free hotline will assist community members and visitors alike with a convenient way to get support regarding non-emergency and non-violent safety concerns by providing a direct point of contact to Security Ambassadors.
The City’s Block by Block Security Ambassadors program is focused on safety, but also offers hospitality with an accessible presence where people shop, socialize, and enjoy recreation. Security Ambassadors at kiosks assist community members and visitors and, in emergencies, work in partnership with law enforcement personnel from the West Hollywood Sheriff’s Station.
Security Ambassadors work regularly to:
● Maintain uniformed foot and bicycle patrols throughout all City neighborhoods, including a new program expansion into residential neighborhoods;
● Provide in-person responses 24/7 to non-emergency and non-violent calls for service; support is available by phone at (833) WEHO-BBB or (833) 934-6222. For community members who prefer to communicate by text, a text-or-voice option is provided at (323) 821-8604;
● Conduct safety escorts for residents, businesses, and visitors; and
● Offer helpful guidance to community members and visitors about City information, directions, parking, and more.
About | Block by Block Security Ambassador Program– The City of West Hollywood partners with Block by Block on its Security Ambassadors program, which has a direct positive impact on safety and neighborhood livability. First established as a City program in 2013, West Hollywood Block by Block Security Ambassadors provide a highly visible uniformed presence at the street level and leverage the effectiveness of local law enforcement by working in collaboration with personnel from the West Hollywood Sheriff’s Station. In addition to supplemental safety services, Block by Block Security Ambassadors get to know West Hollywood’s neighborhoods and assist in providing an extra level of hospitality to businesses, residents, and visitors and help to address and respond to quality-of-life concerns in the community. Security Ambassadors receive trainings on topics such as active shooters, cultural diversity and sensitivity, administration of Narcan to treat narcotic overdose, mental health first aid, sexual harassment, emergency/disaster preparedness, and more. For additional information, please visit www.weho.org/bbb.
About | Sheriff’s, Fire, Code, and Emergencies – The City of West Hollywood contracts with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department for law enforcement and the Los Angeles County Fire Department for fire protection. The City’s Neighborhood & Business Safety Division oversees code enforcement.
For additional information, please visit www.weho.org/publicsafety. For anyone with public safety concerns, please reach out to the West Hollywood Sheriff’s Station 24/7 at (310) 855-8850. In an emergency, always call 911. For concerns about the safety and well-being of community members experiencing homelessness, please call the City’s Homeless Concern Line at (323) 848-6590.
Oh good- 833 is so memorable and figuring out which number corresponds to “WEHO-BBB” will be a fun distraction from the actual situation I might be calling about. But when I do get through I will be immediately connected to my new pals on bikes who will call the sheriff for any real assistance.
An additional “arms length” of bureaucracy. So much for classic efficient problem solving .
Thank goodness it’s a “toll free” number. The cost of those WeHo to WeHo calls are steep!
Or you can take out a flashlight and try to send out a Bat Signal.
Mommy. Mommy something scary is going on down the street! Men in blue jackets are standing there watching and not doing anything.
They were hired to harass the homeless or stopping the homeless from harassing others
Oh I feel so much more secure now.
Can’t we just yell, “hey, over here!”?
Is if feasible for these ambassadors to at least carry stun guns and/or pepper spray? I understand that they are not law enforcement, and cannot carry or use firearms. What are they going to do, if they encounter someone being raped or assaulted (outside)? Other than call the Sheriff and try to scare the assailant (who will probably run away).
I assume there is too much liability to the city for even carrying these non-lethal weapons.
There are sure to be instances that provoke law suits.
These block head underperforming faux security types could get some adequate training from retired police officers by teaching them how to “walk the beat”.
While more eyes on the street is a good thing, the “Security Ambassadors” are not trained to do anything other than call the police themselves. They have no authority, no power to arrest, no power to do anything. They are going to do exactly what you or I would do when someone is in need of help…they are going to pick up the phone and call the police…because that’s ALL they can do.
A Ninja Turtle seems to be a better option.