Safety & Security Committee Hosts Town Hall about HBA Security Patrols

The Safety & Security Committee hosted neighborhood residents at a town hall meeting on January 29. During the meeting, residents heard about the security patrol program now underwritten by the Hill Business Association. Residents heard from Major Latricia Allen, Joe Weinbauer, and Rick Severino. Matt Devoti moderated the program.

After presentations by Weinbauer and Major Allen, residents asked questions about the program. Residents learned the HBA rolled out the security program in partnership with Campbell Security in July 2024. Representing Campbell, Major Allen explained that under the current program the security company has dedicated one patrol vehicle to the Hill since last Summer. The vehicle is alternatively manned by eight officers working a staggered night schedule. All officers are associated with the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, wear on-duty uniforms while patrolling, and remain armed, equipped with their department-issued radio and body cameras throughout their respective shifts.

Major Allen emphasized that the patrols take place throughout the Hill and do not focus on any area. Severino added that patrol routes are varied to deter criminals from anticipating locations on a given time or day. Officers may make arrests while patrolling.

Weinbauer, the HBA’s immediate past-president, explained that the HBA funded the security patrols as a pilot project using funds raised by the Wine Walk last May. The project followed the Safety & Security Committee’s presentation to residents in September 2023 about options for providing security to supplement standard police patrols. Major Allen told the group that Campbell Security is now staffing officers at a cost of $5,000 to $6,000 a month. She indicated she believes that the staffing level is sufficient to address the community’s needs.

The presentation included information about how residents may support the security program. Weinbauer emphasized that the HBA is evaluating ways to continue the program, but funds are now finite. Residents were encouraged to consider financial support of the patrols through Hill 2000’s “Green White and Red” program. The program permits individuals to commit monthly donations or, alternatively, a one-time contribution as circumstance allows. Donations to the program are tax deductible and all funds are kept in a segregated account.

For more information, visit https://www.hillstl.org/category/safety/.