ANTIOCH, Calif. – In response to concerns about increasing crime in downtown Antioch, the city council has approved the hiring of private security to patrol public parking lots and other city assets. The decision comes after complaints from downtown merchants and a series of criminal activities in or near downtown parking lots.
The city plans to allocate $150,000 from the general fund for the hiring of Spearhead Protection for the current and next fiscal year. Acting City Manager Kwame Reed informed the council that a small group of business owners had initiated talks with city staff after experiencing criminal activities in or near downtown city parking lots. The council unanimously approved the expenditure following these discussions.
Councilman Mike Barbanica emphasized the need for increased security measures following a “horrific crime” that occurred in a downtown parking lot. However, details of the crime were not disclosed out of respect for the victim. The decision to hire private security has been met with mixed reactions from residents, with some expressing concern over the need to hire additional officers to patrol downtown city assets.
The hiring of private security comes as the Antioch Police Department has faced challenges, with half of its force put on leave or given light duty following investigations revealing officers implicated in racist or homophobic texts. This has led to some residents questioning the need to hire private security instead of focusing on strengthening the city’s own police force.
The security guards will patrol nine parking areas from 5 PM to midnight each night, with the possibility of adding more areas with a new contract later. The decision to hire private security reflects ongoing efforts to address concerns about downtown safety and to provide additional security measures for residents and businesses in the area.
In conclusion, the decision by the city of Antioch to hire private security to patrol downtown parking lots and city assets underscores the ongoing efforts to address concerns about increasing crime. The move comes amid challenges faced by the Antioch Police Department and mixed reactions from residents about the need to strengthen the city’s police force. The decision aims to provide additional security measures for downtown residents and businesses while addressing ongoing concerns about safety in the area.