Chicago, the nation’s third-largest city, is struggling to shed its dangerous reputation. It is experiencing a surge in violent crime, even in the more affluent and white, traditionally more preserved northern neighborhoods. Now, there, employees of private companies, often police officers on their free time or retired, criss-cross the streets by car. They are hired by residents’ associations ready to dip into their wallets to ensure their safety.
Armed and equipped with bulletproof vests, these employees are not supposed to confront potential criminals, but their presence reassures Patricia Horton, 44, client of one of these companies and resident of the Lincoln Park district. Private security companies “can only help”, although it is “really sad that it is necessary”, she says. “Crime is out of control, and the police are either understaffed or absent,” said the mother of two.
“Not a solution”
P4 Security Solutions, a company that works with residents’ associations in several neighborhoods, says it sees itself as an extra set of eyes and ears. “We are an additional layer, not a solution”, says its vice-president Paul Ohm. 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, its employees monitor cameras placed inside and outside cars in which their colleagues are patrolling.
There is no question of them chasing a suspect: their role is limited to “calling the police and giving as much information as possible”, recalls Paul Ohm. All of this comes at a price, usually around $100 per month, or $1,200 per year. But all neighbours, whether they pay or not, have access to an online chat channel. They can communicate together, or with P4, to report a suspicious item, or simply warn that a garage door has been left open by mistake.
