WeHo expands security ambassador program

Wave Staff Report

WEST HOLLYWOOD — The city continues to expand its block-by-block security program, adding three more kiosks and planning to add two more in the next 30 days.

The city now has five security kiosks staffed by 85 block-by-block security ambassadors.

Commercial district kiosks function daily from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; the kiosk at West Hollywood Park is staffed daily from 8 a.m. to noon and the Plummer Park kiosk is staffed daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.

The aim of the kiosks is to expand the city’s supplemental safety services while providing an extra level of hospitality to businesses, community members and visitors.

Kiosks are located at the Gateway commercial district at La Brea and Santa Monica boulevards, the Rainbow District at Robertson and Santa Monica boulevards and Westmount Drive and Santa Monica Boulevard, West Hollywood Park and Plummer Park.

New kiosks will be added within the next 30 days at Westmount Drive and Melrose Avenue and Sunset Boulevard and Sunset Plaza Drive.

The program is focused on safety as well as hospitality with specific emphasis on supporting a more robust and accessible presence where people shop, walk and enjoy recreation. Security ambassadors are able to assist community members and visitors and, in emergencies, can work in partnership with law enforcement personnel from the West Hollywood Sheriff’s Station.

The security ambassadors maintain uniformed foot and bicycle patrols throughout all city neighborhoods, including a new program expansion into residential neighborhoods; provide in-person responses to non-violent calls for service, conduct safety escorts for residents, businesses and visitors; and offer guidance to community members and visitors about city information, directions, parking and more.

During the next several weeks, the city will be sharing additional information about the block-by-block security ambassadors program including a new toll-free number and public security ambassadors program location.

First established in 2013, block-by-block security ambassadors provide a highly visible uniformed presence working in collaboration with personnel from the West Hollywood Sheriff’s Station.

In addition to supplemental safety services, security ambassadors receive trainings on topics such as active shooters, cultural diversity and sensitivity, administration of Narcan to treat narcotic overdoses, mental health first aid, sexual harassment, emergency/disaster preparedness and more.

The security ambassador hotline provides access to free support by phone or text at (323) 821-8604. A new toll-free number will be introduced in the coming weeks. For additional information, visit www.weho.org/bbb.