City Hires Private Security Firm To Patrol Switchyard Park After Hours
Bloomington IN July 2 2021 The Bloomington Parks Department has signed a contract with a private security firm to patrol Switchyard Park every night from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m.
Marshall Security will be monitoring after hours to prevent vandalism and overnight camping, as well as maintaining the park’s general safety.
“We just felt this would provide full coverage in the overnight hours when staff can’t be there,” said Bloomington parks director, Paula McDevitt.
McDevitt said although the park already has security cameras installed on light posts, the video surveillance is not enough to stop people from vandalizing.
Security guards will work in two-person rotations each night, earning $16.50 per hour.
Switchyard general manager Hsiung Marler said security guards are instructed to coordinate with Bloomington Police if they witness any signs of criminal activity.
“Additionally, security will be wearing body cameras and any incidents that happen, they’ll be filing reports. We [parks dept.] will get those reports immediately,” said Marler.
Marler said guards will be unarmed and making rounds through the park in company vehicles with authorization to drive on the B-Line trail, if needed.
The contract with Marshall will cost the city approximately $60,588, which is expected to be covered by CARES Act funding.
WFIU
