Private Security Guards Take On Homeless Crisis Unease

NORTHRIDGE, Calif. - Oct. 14, 2020 - PRLog -- Cities of every size are experiencing a homeless crisis. In California, an estimated 150,000 are homeless (https://www.usich.gov/homelessness-statistics/ca/). The situation has only gotten worse during the pandemic (https://spectrumnews1.com/ca/la-west/homelessness/2020/10/10/homeless-encampments-reach-unprecedented-levels-amid-covid-19). Security guard companies are being asked to keep the homeless off private property and to ensure public safety, says Access Control Security (https://accesscontrolsecurity.com/) (ACS), a security guard company serving California and Arizona.

While many of the newly homeless will be able to secure housing after they return to work once the pandemic recedes, a recent Los Angeles Times study (https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2019-10-07/homeless-population-mental-illness-disability) of the homeless in Los Angeles, found "that about 67% had either a mental illness or a substance abuse disorder."

"Because the mental health problem is so large, it's impossible for police to answer every call involving a homeless person acting inappropriately or trespassing," says Reza Jalala, ACS director of security and operations. "That's where a top private security guard company can provide an extra layer of security."

Security guards enforce no trespassing/loitering rules and ordinances. Convenience store security guards are often stationed in front of store entrances and patrol around the building to prevent loitering. "If a person is sleeping or lingering on the property, our guards politely but firmly ask that the individual move," says Jalala.

Security guard companies offer these same types of service to multi-family residential buildings. Security guards make sure apartment and condo residents can enter lobbies safely by keeping loiterers away from the building entrance and parking areas. They alert police if they see drug-related activity or emotionally disturbed people threatening or harassing members of the public. "Condo and tenant associations are allocating more of their budget to these extra security services," notes Jalala. "Until the homeless can get the help they need, security services involving the homeless will be in high demand."

ACS has over 25 years of experience protecting property and people. It maintains a $10 million in liability coverage and has earned an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.

To request a quote for security guard services in California and Arizona, give Access Control Security (https://accesscontrolsecurity.com/) a call at 877-482-7324 or go to http://accesscontrolsecurity.com/quote-request to get a quote.

About Access Control Security (ACS)

Based in Northridge, California, Access Control Security (ACS) has been providing security guard services to individuals, businesses and events in California and Arizona for over 25 years. Security services are provided to apartment complexes, HOAs, gated and retirement communities and assisted living facilities. ACS also provides security for weddings, conventions, concerts, tournaments, festivals and other special events. https://accesscontrolsecurity.com, 877-482-7324