A group of parents with children enrolled at the University of California, Berkeley recently took safety measures into their own hands. hire a private security guard As crime increases near campus, KPIX-TV report.
A coalition of parents called SafeBears raised $40,000 last year to launch a three-week pilot program from March 6 to 23, 2024. The program hired six “safety ambassadors” to patrol the UC Berkeley campus from 6:30 p.m. to 3 a.m.
Safety Ambassadors patrol campus unarmed on foot and bicycle. Safe Bears said its guards have undergone CPR and de-escalation training.
Mr. Sagar Jethani, President of Safe Bears I have written On Facebook, they wrote, “They are a great group of people. They are all from the East Bay/SF area so they understand what’s going on with crime in Berkeley.”
“They are looking forward to seeing the students and making them feel safe at night,” Jethani said.
According to the group, security guards “will not enter university grounds” but will “remain in public areas such as public streets and sidewalks.”
Jesani said KABC“They are not carrying any protective equipment. They are not carrying pepper spray, batons or handcuffs.”
In comments to KPIX, Jethani said he hopes the pilot program will “increase enthusiasm” for the administration and encourage it to take stronger security measures.
“We want to show that we are not satisfied with waiting forever for a security ambassador,” he said.
Safe Bears explained that the security guards’ role is to “provide a physical deterrent against any threats to students.”
“If they feel the situation is escalating, they have radios and can call other ambassadors for assistance. They can also contact the Berkeley Police Department if the situation becomes more serious.” “There is,” the group said.
The Parents Union was formed last year over concerns about student safety. The group says the University of California Police Department is struggling with staffing and budget cuts.
“The University of California, Berkeley has reduced funding to UCPD every year since 2018,” Safebears said. “During the same period, nearly every other UC school increased funding above 2018 levels.”
The group claimed that the department’s budget last fall was “14% lower than in 2018.”
Since then, the university has hired 10 additional officers. However, SafeBears noted that the department remains understaffed.
Berkeley Mayor Jesse Arreguín (D) cut the law enforcement budget by more than $9 million in 2020. new york post report.
Once the private security guard pilot program ends, parents hope the university will take over and continue the program.
Safe Bears: UC Berkeley parents hire private security group to ensure student safetyyoutube.be
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