Assembly approves three‑month extension for transit security amid debate over late notice
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Summary
The Anchorage Assembly voted 9–3 on Nov. 4 to approve AM 804‑2025, a roughly $371,000 amendment to Securitas Security Services’ contract to cover three months of transit security (including prior months and November). Members questioned late notice and whether the Anchorage Police Department could provide the service instead of contracted guards.
The Anchorage Assembly approved AM 804‑2025 on Nov. 4 to provide approximately $371,000 to Securitas Security Services USA to cover three months of transit security services that the transit department said had already been provided (past months plus November). Public Transit Director Bart Rudolph told the Assembly the amendment covers two unarmed guards who ride buses randomly and additional unarmed responders in vehicles; the contract amendment pays for staffing across multiple shifts covering service hours roughly from early morning through midnight.
Several members pressed administration staff on the timing: the contract covers services already used, prompting questions about why the Assembly was being asked to approve the funding after expenses were incurred. The municipal manager said alternatives would be challenging without Assembly approval because services were already utilized.
Other members asked why the Anchorage Police Department could not provide the coverage. Administration and APD representatives said that, given cost and availability, contract security has been used to supplement sworn officers; APD staffing remains below national averages for cities of comparable size and the department is actively running academy classes to reduce vacancies. Supporters argued contracted security is a cost‑effective interim approach while the city builds sworn and community service capacity.
The Assembly approved the amendment on a recorded vote, 9 in favor, 3 opposed, with the youth member voting yes.