By ASHLEY GEBB-Staff Writer
CHICO — The R-Town Downtown Coalition sprinted to a start Monday morning with the aide of a cleanup brigade and security patrols in the downtown core.
Before many businesses had even opened their doors for the day, clients from the Jesus Center were busy scrubbing walkways and picking up trash. As the day went on, armed security patrols went door-to-door to introduce themselves to store owners and see who is interested in their free services.
“It really was an effort that was needed and a lot of people pitched in to make it happen. It’s going to be a very exhaustive effort,” said coalition member Doug Guillon. “It will make a difference downtown.”
With help from business people, property owners and community support organizations, the program came together in a few short weeks. The goal is to make downtown Chico enjoyable for visitors and residents by addressing anti-social and criminal behavior on private property.
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It’s about time!
I hate this idea. If we start allowing private security to perform services that should be done by public we are screwed. These guys are no different than private defense contractors. We need to fund our police. Now. I don’t want a bunch of armed mall cops roaming around downtown.
Sounds very promising!
Hats off to all involved…they deserve the cities full support.
If security guards help alleviate the problem (and I believe they will) then that works for me.
Taking a crap on security guards is not only silly, it is counterproductive. Maintaining a steady police force presence to move bums from in front of businesses and out of the park is unnecessary and expensive.
Thank you R-Town Downtown Coalition, we just might be able to take back it back and make it enjoyable for shoppers again.
On the way to a for profit police state I see
From today’s ER story “Boots on the ground” —
“A.G. Private Protection currently serves 100 sites in Chico, including the Chico Area Recreation District and supervision services for Chico Police Department. In its two years serving the community, its guards have had no instances of major force and made three arrests, said operations Lt. Ryan Spehling.”
Sounds to me like A.G. Private Protection’s presence alone has had a positive effect.
Really Big gov controlling the streets? Taxpayers paying a for profit company instead of it’s own police? Who owns the company? Hum, I will investigate and follow the money.
How much are taxpayers paying per hour? next they will want to get rid of police so a company is in charge of the law for profit.
Don’t get your teat in a tangle playing the contrarian Dewey. Chico has employed security guards for decades in other parts of the city. The bicycle police patrol is back diminishing the car patrol force and the detective squad.
http://www.nonstick.com/sounds/Foghorn_Leghorn/ltfl_001.mp3
Ah say, ah say…son!