HOLLYWOOD : CRA Approves Plan for Private Security Patrol

Private guards may soon patrol Hollywood Boulevard and citizen watch groups will work more closely with police as part of a plan to beef up security, officials said Thursday.

The Community Redevelopment Agency board approved a $1-million program which, if the City Council approves, would also provide social service agencies with extra funding.

Under the plan, the CRA would spend up to $750,000 to hire a private security firm to assist tourists and to provide daily foot patrols on Hollywood Boulevard between La Brea Avenue and Vine Street.

Starting this summer, 12 to 14 unarmed guards would offer assistance to residents, merchants, visitors and tourists. They would also provide information about Hollywood’s history and will be trained in first-aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Another $250,000 would be spent to expand social services to assist the homeless, runaway teens and others.