A group of concerned parents at UC Berkeley have raised $40,000 to hire unarmed security guards to monitor city streets around the California campus due to concerns about rising crime. This group, known as SafeBears, is a nonprofit organization that started in 2022 and raised the funds at the end of 2023 to launch a pilot program for the implementation of security guards in the surrounding area of the college. The pilot program, which was launched on March 6, involves six security guards from Streetplus, a private contractor, patrolling five routes around the campus on foot and bicycle from 6:30 p.m. to 3 a.m. daily. SafeBears states that the security guards will not be armed during their patrol but will have radios to call the Berkeley Police Department if needed.
According to the SafeBears website, the organization worked closely with the private contractor to finalize the details of the program. The private contractor has experience providing security services in crime-ridden areas such as Oakland and San Francisco. SafeBears emphasizes that the security guards will act as a physical deterrent to threats against students and are equipped with radios to call for assistance from other ambassadors if needed. They also have a contact at the Berkeley Police Department in case a situation escalates. Additionally, the security guards can escort students to other areas if requested. However, a spokesperson from UC Berkeley expressed concerns about the efforts of SafeBears and highlighted the campus’s own safety measures, including the hiring of additional sworn or non-sworn UCPD officers for daily response efforts. The spokesperson stated that university funds are better utilized for hiring officers rather than private security and emphasized the need for a holistic approach to campus safety.
The decision to hire private security guards raised concerns about the training and experience of individuals hired by such firms. The spokesperson from UC Berkeley highlighted the importance of coordination with UCPD for any security efforts on campus, regardless of the funding source. While some parents may want to donate funds towards additional campus security, the spokesperson emphasized that private security should not take precedence over hiring sworn officers. The spokesperson emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach to campus safety, which includes the hiring of officials who are trained to respond to emergencies. Overall, there are contrasting viewpoints regarding the use of private security in enhancing campus safety, with some supporting the efforts of organizations like SafeBears while others emphasize the importance of investing in the campus police department.
In the broader context of campus safety, the hiring of private security guards by concerned parents raises questions about the balance between additional security measures and the existing efforts of the university police department. While organizations like SafeBears contribute to enhancing security around the campus, there are also concerns about the training and capabilities of the security guards. The coordination of private security efforts with campus police is crucial to ensure a cohesive response to safety issues. Ultimately, the debate over the use of private security versus hiring more sworn or non-sworn officers highlights the complexities of addressing safety concerns on college campuses. It also underscores the importance of a multi-faceted approach to campus safety that involves collaboration between various stakeholders, including concerned parents, university officials, and law enforcement agencies.
The deployment of security guards by SafeBears represents a grassroots effort to address rising crime concerns around UC Berkeley. By raising funds independently and working with a private contractor to implement security measures, the organization demonstrates a proactive approach to enhancing safety for students and community members. However, the skepticism expressed by the UC Berkeley spokesperson underscores the need for a comprehensive and coordinated approach to campus safety that involves all relevant stakeholders. While private security measures can provide an additional layer of protection, they should be integrated into the broader safety strategy that includes investments in campus police and other emergency response infrastructure. As debates continue over the most effective approaches to campus safety, it is essential to prioritize the well-being and security of all individuals on and around college campuses.
