Title
Security Services Pilot Program Update
Description
This report provides the Public Safety and Justice Subcommittee information on the implementation of a pilot program for security services in flatland parks.
THIS ITEM IS FOR INFORMATION AND DISCUSSION.
Report
Summary
On Nov. 2, 2022, the Phoenix City Council approved a six month pilot program to implement overnight security services at 12 park locations in an effort to further address negative behaviors and security concerns in parks. After City Council approval, staff immediately began working with the existing Citywide contractor, Surveillance Security, Inc. to amend the contract and add the additional services.
The full scope of work of these additional services includes patrols at specified park locations between 8 p.m. and 10 a.m. daily for a total of 14 hours each night. However, due to reduced contractor staffing levels at the beginning of the pilot program, security guards initially patrolled daily for a total of 8 hours each night. Most City parks are closed between 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. each night. As of April 24, 2023, Surveillance Security, Inc. became fully staffed and began completing the full scope of work including 14 hour patrols from 8 p.m. to 10 a.m. nightly.
The pilot program began on Feb. 8, 2023. Depending on the amount of time spent in each park, security personnel are roving each park three to four times during a shift. Roving occurs in three distinct geographic zones with four park locations in each zone and security guards patrolling in teams of two.
In an effort to reduce negative behaviors, staff identified several park locations that would benefit from these enhanced security measures using criteria such as the number of Park Ranger visits and the number of Code of Conduct violations and trespass notices issued. The park locations ultimately included in the pilot were selected by the Phoenix City Council on Nov. 2, 2022. The 12 park locations included in the pilot program are the following:
- Cesar Chavez Park
- Cholla Trail
- Cielito Park
- Cortez Park
- El Oso Park
- Los Olivos Park
- Maryvale Park
- Paradise Valley Park
- Perry Park
- Pierce Park
- Sunnyslope Park
- Washington Park
Once the security personnel arrive onsite at a park, they drive around the perimeter of the park and then conduct foot patrols inside park boundaries. Their scope of work includes, but is not limited to, the following:
- Educate the public on park rules and address Code of Conduct violations.
- Open, close and inspect restroom facilities and/or park gates where applicable.
- Inspect all park amenities and relay information to City staff about any park safety concerns and issues related to maintenance and landscaping within the park.
- Ensure the park is clear of users upon park closure.
- Relay information to the Office of Homeless Solutions and PHX C.A.R.E.S. to provide outreach services for those in need.
- Submit daily reports summarizing patrol activity, including pictures of park amenities.
- Contact City Park Rangers for assistance, when appropriate.
- Call Phoenix Police for emergency purposes or crimes occurring within the park.
Outcomes
Below are outcomes from patrols occurring from Feb. 8 through April 14, 2023.
- The security services team has made nightly visits to each of the 12 parks and educated over 550 park visitors on the Code of Conduct.
- Over 50 maintenance concerns have been reported. Maintenance concerns include graffiti, trash and vandalism. Staff review the information daily and are able to address issues more efficiently.
- Over 600 vehicles in parking lots have been found and addressed while the parks were closed.
- The Phoenix Police Department has been called for assistance on 20 different occasions primarily to address larger groups of individuals refusing to leave the park. Emergency medical services have been called three times, and Park Rangers have been called four times while security services have been patrolling the parks.
- Park staff have noted a reduction in people, trash and vandalism present when the parks open each morning.
Overall, a majority of the interactions between security guards and individuals not adhering to the Parks and Recreation Department Code of Conduct policy has been positive. Security guards are most commonly observing and addressing the following Code of Conduct violations:
- People and vehicles in the parks after hours;
- Drug activity, vandalism, and small fires; and,
- Use of park amenities outside their intended purpose.
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Deputy City Manager Inger Erickson and the Parks and Recreation Department.