Part I: Moving Forward, Neighborhood Shared Security Initiative

  SPNA’s Shared Camera Network Committee has been meeting with local businesses, HOAs, and private security firms to elicit support to participate in a pilot security program. The effort has resulted in strong support. While LAPD data show South Park has lower crime rates than other DTLA areas, many residents still feel unsafe walking alone after dark, especially without Social District ambassadors, with slow LAPD response times, and with minimal late-night foot traffic. 

The committee (Ralph Amos, Brian Bartholomew, Kim Culioli, Mike Foley, Mike Fullerton, Marty Goldberg, Priscilla Rojas-Naiman, and Debra Shrout) is conducting due diligence to launch the pilot program whose goal is to gather detailed crime data (types, times, frequency), assess response times, and evaluate when incidents can be diffused on-site. 

Three licensed security providers recommend that one or two unarmed guards patrol the test zone (Flower to Margo, 11th to 12th) from 10 pm or midnight to 6 am. A command center would monitor the shared camera network and dispatch the nearby security personnel in real time to respond to suspicious activity. 

Participation in the pilot has a low barrier—many existing cameras are already compatible if dual systems are used. Some HOAs are exploring upgrades to meet compatibility and several have expressed interest. SPNA has identified 30 different businesses and residential buildings in the test pilot area that are available to review all external camera systems for integration and discuss participation for the 60-day test program. SPNA is talking to local sponsors for the test pilot.

By Marty Goldberg