Crime & Safety

Rent-A-Cop Program A Success

Santa Cruz Police extend partnership with First Alarm through at least the end of the year.

The rent-a-cops are a good thing. That's the word from the Santa Cruz Police Department.

The success of the first month of working with added security downtown provided by First Alarm has paid off — and the project is being extended until at least the end of the year, according to a news release.

" We owe it to our community to look at innovative approached to addressing crime downtown especially in times of declining resources," said interim Police Chief Kevin Vogel in a statement. "This is an important step toward ensuring that the downtown is a place everyone can enjoy."

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According to Santa Cruz Police, First Alarm has made more than 1,100 contacts downtown. First Alarm officers have issued warnings for everything from disturbing the peace to smoking on Pacific Ave. to lying on the sidewalk.

Downtown Association of Santa Cruz Executive Director Chip said the community feedback has been positive.

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"People seem to be very impressed with the professionalism and training of the officers," he said.

According to Santa Cruz Police, the program costs $5,000 per month.


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