CHAMPAIGN — A pilot program for the new Market Street Entertainment District is set to begin next month, with the City Council expected to vote on a plan to bring in outside help to keep the area safe.
Councilors are scheduled to vote tonight on a contract to hire private security firm Securitas Security Services USA to monitor crowds and operate checkpoints downtown from May 26 to October 31.
Total cost: $184,296.
Under the summer initiative, two blocks of Market between Main Street and University Avenue will be designated as an entertainment district, and the south block between Taylor Street and University will be completely closed off, with space for sidewalk cafes and live entertainment. is made.
If the Securitas contract is approved tonight, seven unarmed Securitas officers and one supervisor will monitor three entrances and exits to the area from 8pm to 2am on Fridays and Saturdays. There will be baggage inspections, wristbands will be issued, and ID checks will be conducted to ensure users are over 19 years old.After 10pm
Champaign Police Lt. Kurt Buckley said in an email that city officials determined private security was necessary so Champaign police could focus resources on “community needs.”
But Champaign police officers will continue to maintain a visible presence in downtown spaces as another layer of security over the weekend.
In addition to the Champaign Police Department and civilian police officers, the city's Office of Equity and Engagement is also seeking to hire six “safety monitors.”
The new seasonal position is designed to hire an individual to engage with participants, assist with the program, and de-escalate conflicts when the opportunity arises during the same late night hours on weekends.
Jorge Ervil, community relations manager for the city's Office of Equity and Engagement, said the application was launched last week and that the city is working with communities to help them work proactively to provide safety. He said he is looking for individuals to connect with.
In 2022, the city hired Chicago-based AGB Investigative Services to provide patrols in downtown Champaign during a time when the Champaign Police Department was understaffed.
At a study session in July 2021, it was revealed that the department had reduced the number of police officers by 21, up from 32 new officers in 2019. Currently, the department is short by just 10 officers, Lt. Andre Davis said in an email.
Mr Buckley said Securitas officers would have a different role than traditional private security in the Market Street Entertainment District, as they would be assigned to specific areas and would not have broader, visible security duties. He said it would be.