In the affluent neighborhoods of Los Angeles, homeowners are now turning to a novel solution for their security concerns - a mobile application named 'Patrol.'
This innovative platform allows users to hire off-duty police officers for private security, mirroring the convenience and on-demand nature of popular ride-hailing services. The app's promotional material paints a vivid picture, "Homeowners in LA can now book off-duty police officers to help protect their homes. Now available in Brentwood, Beverly Hills, Bel Air, Holmby Hills, and Malibu more areas coming soon."
The app's promotional video further elaborates on the service, highlighting scenarios where homeowners might find it beneficial. "There are times you can't be home," the voiceover explains, "but that doesn't mean your home has to be unprotected. Maybe the kids just got home from school and you're stuck in traffic. Or maybe you're about to travel halfway across the country, finally taking that vacation. Or it's just another quiet night and you'd rather sleep knowing someone is looking out for you. When you book a private patrol, you're getting more than just presence. You're getting protection from off-duty officers. You might not always be home, but with Patrol, someone is."
According to The Post Millennial, the service has sparked controversy, with critics such as Mike Cernovich arguing that it caters exclusively to the wealthy. "Rich Democrats would rather pay for private security than deport criminals," Cernovich stated, "Those of you who can't afford this - too bad!"
The demand for private security in Los Angeles has seen a significant surge, as reported by OnGuard Inc, a local security firm. In 2022, the company's CEO, Ray Nomair, noted an uptick in requests for overnight security from residents in upscale neighborhoods such as Beverly Hills, Calabasas, and Woodland Hills. This trend followed a series of high-profile burglaries targeting the homes of celebrities and the elite, including the murder of philanthropist Jacqueline Avant and the theft of millions in jewelry from actress Lori Loughlin's home.
David Chandler, president of the California Association of Licensed Security Agencies, Guards and Associates, commented on the shift in attitudes towards security among the affluent. "Theres more people in the gated communities (in Southern California) that are more affluent or are of celebrity status who may have not thought too much of security, only using security part-time, that are now looking to go full time," Chandler said.
This rise in private security demand coincides with a troubling increase in crime rates in Los Angeles, including violent crimes such as homicides and shootings. Despite this, the city's budget proposed by Mayor Karen Bass in 2022 included sweeping layoffs across all sectors, with the exception of sworn police officers.
The city's crime rate stands at 30% higher than the national average, with 3,115 crimes per 100,000 residents. Compounding these issues is the persistent problem of homelessness, with over 70,000 individuals living on the streets of Los Angeles.
The city's status as a "sanctuary city" within the "sanctuary state" of California, where police officers are prohibited from collaborating with federal agents to apprehend and remove illegal immigrant criminals, further complicates the security landscape.
As the debate over private security and public safety continues, the Patrol app stands as a testament to the lengths some residents are willing to go to ensure their security.
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