Outreach begins for ‘Safer WeHo’ pilot program

The City of West Hollywood’s Community Safety Department, in collaboration with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department West Hollywood Station, has begun outreach related to Safer WeHo, an upcoming year-long pilot program that uses equipment and technology to support public safety efforts.

Implementation of the Safer WeHo program is commencing with a three-month outreach and engagement period in which the City of West Hollywood is issuing information to the community by way of a news release, mailed postcard, and awareness campaign. Community feedback is essential prior to the programmatic implementation of this technology initiative which will begin during the first quarter of 2025. The City of West Hollywood, in partnership with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department West Hollywood Station, will provide updates accordingly.

As part of outreach and engagement, the City of West Hollywood and West Hollywood Sheriff’s Station will host two initial Public Safety Technology Town Hall Meetings in December:

·         On Tuesday, December 3, 2024 at 6 p.m., a virtual meeting will take place via Zoom: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86117956333?pwd=GAJnb0bT3dkSdr0edM971PUWV82yqn.1

·         On Tuesday, December 17, 2024, at 6 p.m., an in-person meeting will be held at the City’s Council Chambers/Public Meeting Room, located at 625 N. San Vicente Boulevard.

Each meeting is free and open to the public; no RSVP is needed.

Public safety technology refers to the various tools and systems that are used to enhance safety and security. Safer WeHo initiatives coming to West Hollywood include:

·         Drone as First Responder (DFR) – The intent of the DFR program is to enhance public safety by providing a real-time view of an incident. The DFR will respond to various types of calls for service and will potentially de-escalate high risk situations. The DFR will not be used for surveillance on our community.

·         Fixed Real-Time Cameras – The installation of more than 50 cameras will be strategically placed in locations throughout West Hollywood. Cameras will be used to assist in resolving crimes that have occurred and providing real-time information to first responders on calls for service.

·         Real-Time Watch Center – The real-time watch center will be established at the West Hollywood Sheriff’s Station. It will serve as the hub

in monitoring of live video feeds from drones and fixed

real-time cameras.

Additional information about the Safer WeHo program is provided on the City’s website at go.weho.org/saferweho.

The City of West Hollywood’s Community Safety Department provides oversight of law enforcement and coordinates community programs to reduce crime and increase public safety and the quality of life for citizens, businesses, and visitors to West Hollywood.

To learn more about community safety agencies, programs, and initiatives in the City of West Hollywood, download “Community Safety in the City of West Hollywood” at www.weho.org/home/showdocument?id=42465.