BELLINGHAM, Wash. — The City of Bellingham announced today, Friday, January 28th, in collaboration with the Downtown Bellingham Partnership, they have started a program where trained and unarmed security personnel are going to be “additional ‘eyes on the street,’ assist those in need, deter crime, and support other outreach and service providers.”
The announcement was accompanied by a photo reportedly of a member of this safety patrol who is wearing a hat and shirt identifying him as an “RSU Security Agent.”
Clearly identified, unarmed, vaccinated security personnel are scheduled 24/7, part of an initiative to support a safe, clean, welcoming downtown. They are trained in de-escalation and customer service, and focusing on building relationships with all downtown stakeholders.
This initiative is in collaboration with the Downtown Bellingham Partnership, with participation and feedback from our downtown business community, funded in part by federal American Recovery Plan dollars available to support districts and industries impacted by the pandemic.City of Bellingham (January 28, 2022)
Bravo, great idea.
So is this in lieu of police officers being present? Or is this in addition? If we have removed police officers from the streets and replaced them with these folks then the city is headed in the wrong direction.
Great! Agree Katherine!We need more eyes~~ need all the help we can get!
I have to agree. Downtown Bellingham has a problem with homeless and drugs. It seems to me these folks appear helpful but I suspect they may encounter more problems than they believe. Also, in the context of recent news, they stand out as targets.
I am so sorry to be negative but this is not the vision I see.
I’m delighted to see such creative and needed use of Federal pandemic dollars, as well as the local business community and community service organizations participation. It looks as if groups of folks are working together to help people help themselves and their children, while improving our community living environment . BRAVO!!!
I applaud this idea I just hope that these workers will be safe and not work alone ever.