Security Guards Begin Patrols Unarmed Downtown ‘Ambassadors’ To Report Problems To Police, Help Shoppers

‘Security ambassadors” charged with helping to keep downtown Spokane safe made their debut Thursday.

They are part of the Downtown Spokane Partnership’s “Clean, Safe and Beautiful!” campaign designed to “make our streets feel safer and friendlier,” said President Karen Valvano.

About 60 people gathered in the courtyard of the Parkade Plaza for a luncheon ceremony to meet the unarmed security guards dressed in black pants, creme T-shirts and baseball caps.

The guards will look for suspicious activities, reporting any problems to the Spokane Police Department. They also will serve as goodwill liaisons to help shoppers, visitors and workers.

Guards will patrol the Parking and Business Improvement Area (PBIA), an 80-block district that runs from Cedar to Browne avenues, the railroad viaduct to the north bank of the Spokane River.

Those in the downtown core will be on foot. Those patrolling the area’s perimeters will ride bicycles.

Guards will work Wednesday through Sunday, from noon to 8 p.m. They’ll carry first-aid equipment, two-way radios, handcuffs and gloves.

The Downtown Partnership is a non-profit group governed by downtown business leaders.

The partnership manages the PBIA, which is similar to taxing districts used to build sewers and pave roads. It raises money by taxing downtown businesses, buildings, properties and organizations.

The money raised through assessments is slated for programs such as parking improvements, marketing campaigns, market research and downtown beautification.

The $200,000 for the guards, however, comes from the city of Spokane.

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