12.27.18

MORE COPS,
MORE COSTS,
LESS CRIME
CITY INCREASES SECURITY BUDGET FOR
NEW YEAR’S FESTIVITIES
BY ANDRÉ COLEMAN
Security will once again be at an all-time high at the Rose Parade and the
Rose Bowl Football Game due to the rise in global terrorism.
And the cost of that protection is also rising.
In November, the Pasadena City Council voted to increase its security budget
for the festivities from $1.1 million to $1.5 million.
In a staff report, Interim Police Chief John Perez called the increase “necessary
due to the potential for [LA County Sheriff’s Department] to increase the
hourly rates for personnel. … The increase also includes additional hours for
increased staffing at New Year’s activities based on threat assessments. The
possibility of adding personnel to ensure a safe event may occur shortly before
events begin, allowing minimal time for review and approval by City Council.”
Last year, for the first time the parade route was closed to traffic the night
before the parade which created a need for more personnel.
Costs associated with law enforcement services patrolling the parade route
have steadily increased over recent years.
In 2017, the costs for services from the Sheriff’s Department for New Year’s
activities totaled $1,031,931.
For the 2018 events, the costs for Sheriff’s Department supplemental services
jumped more than $60,000, to $1,093,805, according to the staff report.
“Security to the infrastructure of the city of Pasadena and its holiday events
remain paramount during daily operations. This season, Pasadena, along with
its county, state and federal partners, will work in collaboration to provide
safety to the egress of patrons visiting this fine city,” said Pasadena aden
police Lt.
Jason Clawson.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 36
12.27.18 | PASADENA WEEKLY 35