West Hollywood is launching a new pilot program that will deploy retired law enforcement professionals to oversee safety at Plummer Park and West Hollywood Park.
The Senior Safety Officers will focus on addressing issues such as mental health crises, substance abuse and interactions with homeless people.
Block by Block’s Erica Leon told the Public Safety Commission on Tuesday that these officers will bring specialized skills in de-escalation and crisis management, which exceed the training of standard ambassadors. Despite their law enforcement backgrounds, the officers will not carry weapons or possess arrest powers, acting instead as unarmed, highly trained security personnel.
“Their specific training and experiences in handling emergency situations make them ideal candidates to lead an elevated approach to emergency or crisis scenarios, as well as everyday incidents at the parks,” DeLeon said. “This ensures the safety of both park staff and community members.”
The decision to introduce the program stems from a recent increase in incidents at the parks that require a more advanced skill set to manage effectively. The goal is to address these situations without escalating them to the level of requiring sheriff intervention. Instead, Senior Safety Officers will assist staff and patrons during daytime programming and other activities, such as toddler programs.
In addition to their on-site presence, the officers will have access to park surveillance cameras to proactively monitor and investigate situations. They will coordinate closely with park staff to address issues as they arise.
The officers will be easily identifiable, wearing distinct uniforms with safety officer emblems to differentiate them from Block by Block ambassadors. They will be present during all park hours, including weekends.
While this pilot program is initially focused on Plummer Park and West Hollywood Park, there is potential for expansion. Officials will evaluate the program’s effectiveness over the course of a year before deciding whether to extend it to other city facilities, such as City Hall.
“We are excited to launch this program and look forward to its success,” Leon said. “If you see them in the parks, make sure to say hello.”
Lmao, pilot program in parks and then first mention for expansion is city hall. Why? From the security at the front entrance and the bullet proof glass everywhere, why does city hall need more protection? The mind think of the Bureaucrats in this city is so self centered. God forbid the residents should be protected.
Well, I certainly hope this will help. I’ve seen our current “Ambassadors” just sit there looking at their phone while homeless are having a mental episode in the park and people pack up their kids and leave. Sad. I hope they will actually DO SOMETHING when they see something. Retired law enforcement is the type of person that should have been hired as Ambassadors from the get-go and not the people they currently have walking around doing not much of anything.
Big deal. They have no impact. Either hire more police and start enforcing the law…..or step down.
Our tolerance for this nonsense is over.
First prohibit loitering and vagrancy (not just look the other way) and then there will be no need to “de-escalate” anything.
It is not a crime to be homeless. It isn’t a crime to have mental health issues either. Have a little compassion.
Nope…they need to be forced into treatment, on meds and off the streets. Over the “compassion.” What isn’t compassion for anyone is allowing those with dangerous mental health conditions to be off meds wandering our streets.
I was referring to loitering and vagrancy. Are you suggesting that homeless individuals are loiterers and vagrants? If so, that’s not a fair or justified observation.