Title
Park Ranger and Security Services Update
Description
This report provides the Community and Cultural Investment Subcommittee information on efforts to recruit Park Rangers and on the implementation of a pilot program for security services in flatland parks.
THIS ITEM IS FOR INFORMATION AND DISCUSSION.
Report
Summary
Park Ranger Hiring
The Parks and Recreation Department Natural Resources Division houses the Park Ranger program. Objectives of the program include maintaining safe and welcoming parks for all residents and visitors. The work Park Rangers perform are divided into two related yet distinct assignments: (1) rangers assigned to the mountain preserves and (2) rangers assigned to urban parks. There are 88 full-time Park Rangers and 11 part-time Park Rangers throughout the park system. There are 64 full-time and 11 part-time positions assigned to the mountain park and preserve areas, and there are 24 full-time park rangers assigned to the urban park team. A total of eight of the 24 full-time Park Ranger positions assigned to urban parks were added during the Fiscal Year 2022-23 budget process.
At the time of this report, there are 13 total full-time Park Ranger vacancies, including six on the urban park team, six on the mountain preserve team, and one vacant administrative ranger position shared by the entire division. There are currently seven vacant part time ranger positions, all on the mountain preserve team. Interviews for Park Ranger vacancies were recently held, and the department is in the process of onboarding candidates to fill all remaining full-time and part-time Park Ranger vacancies.
One factor that has contributed to challenges maintaining a consistent urban ranger team has been the annual shift bid process. As an example, prior to the shift bid process in October 2022, there was only one full-time urban ranger vacancy. After the shift bid process, which became effective in January 2023, there were six full-time urban ranger vacancies. The department plans to continue discussions with ASPTEA (Administrative, Supervisory, Professional, and Technical Employees Association) and the Human Resources Department to evaluate this process .
Security Services Pilot Program
On Nov. 2, 2022, the Phoenix City Council approved a pilot program to implement security services at 12 park locations in an effort to further address negative behaviors and security concerns in parks. After the program was approved, staff immediately began to work with the existing citywide contractor, Surveillance Security Inc., to develop a revised scope of work to include the pilot program and amend their existing contract at the City. Negotiations and ultimately completion of the revised scope of work took place in November and December. The contract amendment with Surveillance Security Inc. was completed and signed by all parties in January 2023.
Pilot program patrols began on Feb. 8, 2023. As a part of this program, security services will rove between the selected park locations from 8 p.m. to 10 a.m. daily from February through July 2023. Roving will occur in three distinct geographic zones with four park locations in each zone, and security guards will patrol in teams of two.
Once onsite at a park, security will conduct foot patrols inside park boundaries. Their scope of work includes, but is not limited to, the following:
- Educate the public about park rules and address Code of Conduct violations.
- Open, close and inspect restroom facilities and/or park gates where applicable.
- Relay information to 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 PHX C.A.R.E.S. to provide outreach services.
- Submit daily reports summarizing patrol activity.
- Contact City of Phoenix Park Rangers for assistance when appropriate.
- Call Phoenix Police for emergency purposes or crimes occurring within the park.
The Parks and Recreation Department plans to return to the Community and Cultural Investment Subcommittee with additional information on the implementation of the pilot security services program in June 2023.
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Deputy City Manager Inger Erickson and the Parks and Recreation Department.