Nonprofit SafeBears Hires Unarmed Security Guards to Monitor UC Berkeley Campus and Surrounding Area

Frustrated Parents Take Action to Improve Campus Security

A group of concerned parents from UC Berkeley has taken matters into their own hands to address rising crime in the area. In response to the continued concerns of the local community, they have successfully raised $40,000 to fund a pilot program aimed at enhancing security in the vicinity of the California campus.

SafeBears Initiative

The initiative, led by the nonprofit organization SafeBears, was launched at the end of 2023 with the objective of implementing security measures to ensure the safety of students and residents in the surrounding areas.

Unarmed Security Guards

The $40,000 raised by the concerned parents has been utilized to hire a team of six unarmed security guards from Streetplus, a private contractor, to patrol the vicinity on foot and bicycles. These patrols are conducted daily from 6:30 p.m. to 3 a.m., aiming to provide a visible and physical deterrent to potential threats without the need for defensive equipment. The security guards are also equipped with radios to communicate with the Berkeley Police Department if necessary.

Positive Impact

SafeBears hopes that this pilot program will inspire the campus to take further action and potentially establish a similar security initiative in the future. Additionally, the security guards are available to escort students to other areas upon request, further enhancing their role in ensuring safety.

Concerns and Response

Despite the positive intentions behind the initiative, a spokesperson from UC Berkeley voiced concerns regarding the use of private security. They emphasized the significance of coordinated efforts with the University of California Police Department (UCPD) and advocated for the allocation of funds to hire additional UCPD officers for standard response efforts. The spokesperson highlighted the importance of a holistic approach to campus safety, suggesting that a comprehensive strategy is the most effective way to address security concerns.