Park Safety Program Progress Report & Future Considerations

1 Background

1.23 Achieve rating of “Very Satisfied” or “Satisfied” with the “Feeling of Safety in Parks” greater than or equal to the top 10% of the national benchmark cities as measured in the Community Survey

In October 2018, a pilot Parks Security Program was implemented using the existing G4S contract; program concluded in late June 2020.

At October 1st, 2020 WSS, City Staff was directed to evaluate and begin work on developing a long-term park security solution and re- activate the G4S Park Security Program to serve as a “security services bridge” until the permanent solution could be enacted.

2 Update: Security Bridge Timeline • Since last WSS, work began on re-implementation of G4S Park Security Program.

• At last WSS meeting, the estimated timeline for full-scale G4S deployment with the same level of service delivery and coverage was approximately 1-month so that training, equipping, and appropriate staffing could be re-achieved.

• Full-scale security deployment back into the parks is set to begin on November 5, 2020. It is believed this will have an immediate and positive impact on the feeling of safety in our parks.

• Estimated cost for 1-year (November 1, 2020 – October 31, 2021) of G4S security services is: $441,965 3 Update: Park Security Program

• Since last WSS, initial planning meeting(s) and consultation meetings have been conducted within & between the Police Department, Human Resources, Parks and Recreation, and Human Services.

• In an assessment of needs and costs, a LOW financial estimate to bringing back a full-scale Park Ranger Program would cost 1.5 to 2 million dollars (salary, benefits, equipment, vehicles).

• Staff members/leadership of the Police, Human Services, and Parks & Recreation Department(s) DO NOT believe a traditional Park Ranger Program would meet the security and human services needs of our citizenry; WOULD NOT be fiscally responsible at this time; and believe developing a more ROBUST and COLLABORATIVE program comprised of staff from the Police Department and Human Services Department in a combined fashion would offer a better long- term return on investment.

4 Update: Park Security Program

• Contingent this evening upon approval by the Tempe City Council and the City Manager to be able to utilize contingency funding to pay for G4S security services, G4S Security personnel can be in- service and back in the parks by this weekend.

• In the meantime, a more robust park security program developed and staffed by personnel from the Police Department and Human Services Department, which will be able to provide safety, security, and mental health/social services, is being developed by staff and will be presented during the City’s normal budgetary approval process.

5 Questions