Bellingham security patrols add ‘eyes on the street’ in advance of new programs
Both Bellingham and Whatcom County are using private security patrols downtown amid a shortage of police officers and a rise in vandalism, litter and behavioral issues in the city center.
As part of an effort to help commerce return to pre-pandemic levels, the city and a business organization are starting a Downtown Ambassadors program in spring and have hired a private security firm in the interim. Security patrols and the ambassadors will be unarmed, vaccinated against COVID-19 and trained in de-escalation techniques, said Darby Cowles, senior planner in the Bellingham Department of Planning and Community Development.
Tags