Downey City Council votes to expand after-hours security at parks

DOWNEY – The Downey City Council approved an amendment to its existing contract with RMI International, Inc. on Tuesday to bolster after-hours security patrols across city parks.

The amendment allocates $268,596 for a 12-month period, adding dedicated overnight and early-morning patrols to enhance safety in Downey’s parks and recreational facilities.

RMI began providing security services this year in public spaces throughout Downey, including the downtown area, the city parking structure, and various Parks and Recreation Department sites. With the approved amendment, RMI will assign two unarmed guards in patrol cars from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. daily, as well as a single guard for morning shifts on weekdays and weekends.

The expanded security coverage includes patrols at 13 city parks, the Transit Depot, Rio Hondo Golf Club, and Downey Cemetery. Using a digital monitoring and reporting system called TrackTik, RMI will document guard activities in real-time, generating incident reports, photos, and analytics accessible to the city through an online portal. This system aims to improve response times and enable the city to make timely adjustments to patrol schedules and staffing levels as needed.

“These additional security measures are intended to deter crime and address community safety concerns,” said Jason Chacon, Downey’s Director of Parks and Recreation, in his report to the City Council. He added that the Downey Police Department would continue active patrols, working in tandem with RMI to ensure comprehensive public safety.

The funding for this amendment comes from the city’s General Fund for the 2024-2025 fiscal year.