DOWNEY - The city of Downey is in the final stages of hiring a local security company to patrol city-owned parking lots in Downtown Downey.No single incident triggered the decision to put security downtown, city officials insisted, but instead it was a "proactive" move to "ensure safer public parking, enhance the visitor experience and reduce unwanted activity..." Security will be provided by Paramount-based RMI International. Its CEO, Rick Rodriguez, is a past president of the Downey Chamber of Commerce. The 12-month contract is worth $9,600 and provides for security during unspecified "peak times," said Juddy Ceniceros of the city's public information office. As of Wednesday, the contract was still being finalized. Because the contract is worth less than $10,000, it does not require City Council approval. In a press release Monday, the city said security guards will patrol on bicycles and be equipped with radio communication tied to police, city staff and "a local dispatch center." Residents can expect to start seeing security downtown within the new few weeks, officials said.

********** Published: November 24, 2011 - Volume 10 - Issue 32