I figured this would start happening in the US. As the economy continues to suck, and measures are taken by the states to save money, then you will start to see the secondary effects of such policies at the local level. Good or bad, that is reality.
Now the big debate from what I gather is if a PSC can provide effective and adequate security for a town this size. Mind you, there will still be a deputy that folks can call for the big emergencies. So we will see how it goes, and hopefully this town will be adequately protected and served as they make the transition. I would also be curious how many other cities and towns have had to cut police forces and switch to private security throughout the nation? –Matt
Foley hires private security for police protection
Oct. 18, 2011Written by Kari Petrie
Foley residents will call a private security company when they need nonemergency help, starting in January.
On Tuesday, Foley City Council members unanimously approved hiring a private security company to provide 24-hour service to the city. The city will enter a six-month contract with General Security Services Corp. for $98,500.
Mayor Gary Gruba said Foley is the first city he’s heard of that has used a private security company. But he said he has heard other cities are looking at the option to save costs.
Since 2003, the city has paid Benton County to have three deputies patrol the city for 17.1 hours a day. The council voted earlier this month to reject a new contract from the county to provide police services for 2012.
The county had proposed a contract for 2012 that would cost $23,426 a month for three deputies. This year the city is paying $24,694 a month.
Cuts in Local Government Aid mean the city has to look at all areas to make cuts, council member Dean Weber said.
The company will start providing staffing eight hours a day in December and full time in January. The county’s contract expires at the end of December.
Council members and staff will work on a plan to educate the public about the change. Emergency calls should still be made to 911 and a deputy will respond.
The security company guards will patrol the area and can make citizen arrests. They cannot investigate crimes or do traffic stops.
In September, Foley had 162 calls for service. A majority of those were traffic stops, Benton County Capt. Paul Olmanson said at the meeting.
Story here.
I have worked with that company in the past. It will be interesting how the public appreciates being served by the local trailer park. Especially with a yearly contract less than 100k. How professional can you expect from a staff paid so little?
Comment by Travis — Sunday, November 6, 2011 @ 4:16 PM
Yeah, we will see. I am sure this will play out in other parts of the country as well.
Comment by Feral Jundi — Monday, November 7, 2011 @ 9:13 AM