First Alarm Guards To Patrol Wharf, Parks

Following the success of the First Alarm security guard program downtown, Santa Cruz Police announced the launch of a similar pilot program, this time covering the wharf and area parks.

The program is a partnership between Santa Cruz Parks and Recreation and the Santa Cruz Police. It comes on the wake of a planned phase out funding for the use of First Alarm guards downtown. With November's passage of Measure H, the city has additional funding for sworn officers downtown.

The private security guards are already patrolling the wharf, the levee area, San Lorenzo Park, Laurel Park and the beach area.

"The consistent presence is always appreciated," Mark Gilbert, one wharf business owner, "this pilot program is an important step to maintaining a welcoming environment on the wharf."

Dannettee Shoemaker, Parks and Recreation director, said the program will make resident feel more at ease.

"All citizens and visitors to Santa Cruz should feel comfortable using our parks," Shoemaker said. "We have zero tolerance for illegal activity and First Alarm is providing extra eyes and ears."

First Alarm guards were trained by Santa Cruz Police Department officers in the local ordinances and utilized the police dispatch system to report problems as soon as they occur. The program will cost approximately $6,500 per-month.