Crime & Safety

Public Safety Committee Discusses Hiring Private Security Firm

West Chester University has agreed to give money to the borough for extra security in the neighborhoods surrounding the campus.

The Public Safety Committee voted to move forward on a measure that would allow the borough to hire a private security firm to patrol the university neighborhoods on a trial basis.

West Chester University will pay $10,000 for the pilot program that will run from mid March to mid May and have security officers patrol the university neighborhoods on Thursdays through Saturdays from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m.

“These security officers would work with the police in whatever capacity they would need,” said council member Jordan Norley.  “Hopefully, these security teams can help provide some relief to the quality of life issues that go on down in those neighborhoods.”

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The security force would be trained by the police department and used to supplement existing enforcement.

“I know a number of residents have gone down there and patrolled, but there’s nothing residents can do.  I think a security team would be better,” said council member Cassandra Jones.

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The security teams would consist of two, two-man teams for a total of four additional security officers to supplement the already existing police presence.

“It’s a pilot program, so we should see how it goes,” said council member Tom Paxson.  “We need to be proactive in these neighborhoods, not reactive.”

“It’s not a magic bullet,” Norley said.  “The university is giving us money and saying go.   It’s a pilot program.  If it doesn’t work we’ll try something else.”

Full council will discuss the matter next week during the monthly work session meeting on Tuesday, Feb 14, at 7 p.m.


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