Posted 6 years ago
Press contact: Jessica Cabe | PR and Communications Manager, Chicago Loop Alliance | jessica@chicagoloopalliance.com | 312-782-9160
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | Feb. 28, 2018
CHICAGO—Two security guards will patrol State Street between Wacker Drive and Congress Parkway beginning Thursday, March 1, in an effort by the Chicago Loop Alliance (CLA) to make the Loop even safer for businesses, patrons, residents and workers.
The guards, provided by HLSA Security, will be on State Street from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and 4:30-8:30 p.m. Thursdays; from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and 6:30-10:30 p.m. Fridays; and 2-10 p.m. Saturdays. They will be in uniform, but not police uniforms, and will have a badge, be armed and be able to detain suspects or, in the case of off-duty police officers, make arrests.
The guards will augment CLA’s Street Team program, which places ambassadors on State Street for cleaning and beautification, providing information on social services for people facing homelessness and acting as an information resource for pedestrians. CLA contracts Streetplus to carry out its Street Team program, and Streetplus has contracted HLSA Security to provide guards.
"This is in response to Ald. Reilly’s request and our businesses' requests for faster response times from the police," said Michael Edwards, CLA President and CEO. "With festivals, sporting events, conventions, protests and retail, the 1st District officers have many demands placed on them, sometimes unexpectedly. The security guards program is to assist our ambassadors and the police in making experiences on State Street and in the Loop even safer and more enjoyable.
"We’ve learned a lot with our Street Team program, and we recognize that we need more authority," Edwards continued. "These security guards are designed to start to address some of the issues inside the stores — shoplifting, rowdy behavior — in addition to providing assistance for other issues on the street."
Ald. Reilly said CLA’s security program aligns with his own goals for making the 42nd Ward safer.
"I am grateful to Michael Edwards and the Chicago Loop Alliance for making this public safety initiative a priority," Reilly said. "For years, I’ve been advocating for new methods to add more security personnel downtown, to help supplement the Chicago Police Department’s good work. By hiring security guards to help patrol the Loop, CLA is ensuring downtown residents and businesses will benefit from having more law enforcement professionals on the street."
HLSA Security is currently working with SSA#8 and SSA#17 through the Lakeview East Chamber of Commerce to great success, according to HLSA owner and operator Janice Dillon.
"I know that having security walk the neighborhood gives people not just the feeling of safety, but they are actually safer," Dillon said. "The presence of security officers is a great deterrent to criminal offenses and sends out a message to prospective criminals that the safety of the citizens and businesses is of the utmost importance."
Businesses along State Street and in the Loop have voiced their support for the security program, including the Palmer House, 17 E. Monroe St.
"A high priority for the Palmer House is the safety and security of our guests and their property in the hotel," said Dean Lane, Palmer House Area General Manager. "The area in which the Palmer House operates is critically important because it impacts our guests’ experience of safety and security as well. This new measure can only enhance that experience, and therefore we fully support this initiative."
In addition to the security guards, Streetplus will also hire two more Street Ambassadors by the end of March, further increasing a positive presence on State Street. The cost of the security guards pilot program, which extends to Dec. 31, 2018, is not to exceed $50,000. The cost of adding two ambassadors is approximately $114,000. The contracting of security guards and hiring of additional Street Ambassadors is funded through SSA#1-2015, for which CLA is the sole service provider.
About Chicago Loop Alliance
Chicago Loop Alliance (CLA), the sole service provider for Special Service Area#1-2015, creates, manages and promotes high-performing urban experiences, attracting people and investment to the Loop. For more information, please visit www.LoopChicago.com.
About Streetplus Company, LLC
Streetplus is a full-service provider of clean, safe and friendly services to SSA and Improvement Districts across the United States. Streetplus provides positive results that customers demand, but don’t always get from other contractors. Streetplus has experience, knowledge and processes structured to exceed customers' expectations. Services provided include maintenance/cleaning, safety/security, hospitality/concierge, landscaping and social service outreach. For more information, visit our website at www.streetplus.net or send an email to info@streetplus.net.
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