Mayor Linda Gorton took immediate steps today to increase security downtown after an incident Wednesday in which a woman was assaulted. The suspect who was arrested yesterday in the case, has had numerous interactions with the criminal justice community, and with those who assist the unhoused.
“This is a compassionate city. We prove that every day through the programs we provide for people in our community who need help,” Gorton said. “We must also be a safe city. We cannot tolerate criminal activity.”
The Mayor is taking the following steps:
- Increasing police presence downtown.
- Expanding the hours of private security at the Robert F. Stephens Courthouse Plaza, and in the soon-to-reopen Phoenix Park to 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
- Hiring private security for Tandy Park between 2 a.m. and 5 a.m. each night.
- The police will be conducting joint operations with the Street Outreach Team. The current Street Outreach Team deploys throughout the city to address encampments. It will be refocused on the downtown core to work alongside Police on providing relocation and other services aimed at discouraging congregation.
- Putting out a Request for Proposals for a second Street Outreach Team.
- Investigate the cost of additional security cameras downtown.
- The Mayor encouraged anyone who feels unsafe, or observes a situation where tensions are escalating, to call 911.
