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Council hears update on frequent police calls and private security options in Town Center
Summary
Council and staff discussed repeat calls for service in the Town Center, private license-plate readers and the need for businesses to bolster security to reduce strain on police resources.
Lake Forest Park leaders discussed areas of repeat police and fire responses and strategies to reduce recurring calls in the Town Center.
Staff and councilmembers said the police department has been working with property managers and business owners to address chronic retail theft and other repeat incidents. Private license-plate-reader systems (referred to in the meeting as “flock” or similar commercial systems) were discussed as a tool some property owners are using to identify repeat offenders. Council and staff emphasized that, while police will respond, property owners should take steps to provide private security where feasible so police resources remain available for life-safety priorities.
Council members reported anecdotal improvements in some problem locations after interventions; one participant noted a problem tenant who had been generating frequent calls was no longer present at a specific apartment complex. Staff said the police department will continue to engage property owners and managers about security measures and that the city’s limited staffing affects the ability to compile a comprehensive repeat-calls dataset immediately.
No formal policy change or procurement decision was made; staff were directed to continue working with businesses and property managers and to report back on patterns and recommended actions for recurring incidents.
