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Renton council asks how private security for Legacy Square events will be vetted
Summary
Council members pressed city staff on safety planning for Legacy Square activations and asked whether private security contractors would be screened for ties to federal immigration enforcement; staff said Renton Police will be involved in vetting and that Allied Security was one vendor under consideration.
Council members told city economic-development staff they want clearer public-safety plans before Legacy Square’s summer activation, specifically how private security contractors will be vetted for ties to federal immigration enforcement.
At the Committee of the Whole, a council member asked city staff to describe safety planning and whether Renton Police Department will lead operational coordination. Later in that exchange Council member Rivera asked: "How are we vetting this private security system to ensure that they will not be working with ICE?" The question sought details on vendor selection, background checks and known affiliations.
City staff responded that the consultant budget includes private security for watch parties, and that staff have recently engaged the police department to develop vetting and operational protocols. Free said the consultant suggested Allied Security as a possible vendor and that staff would "be meeting with police and really taking their cues from them on what the answers to those questions would be on vetting." She did not provide a timeline or a vetted vendor list during the session.
Why it matters: Large public gatherings require clear plans for crowd management and public trust. Several council members emphasized inclusion and asked the city to ensure that security plans protect all residents, including immigrants and people who are undocumented.
What remains unresolved: Staff committed to working with the police department but did not provide documentation of vetting procedures, assurance language in vendor contracts, or an approved vendor list during the presentation. Council members asked for additional detail in future briefings.
Quotes: Council member Rivera asked, "How are we vetting this private security system to ensure that they will not be working with ICE?" Amanda Free replied that Allied Security was being considered and that staff would "be meeting with police and really taking their cues from them on what the answers to those questions would be on vetting."
Next steps: Staff said they will continue coordinating with Renton PD and return with more detailed plans; council members asked for clear vetting information before large events begin.
