Photo: CBS 12
Crime has gotten so out of control in one South Florida city that the police department has brought in a private security firm to help.
Professional Security Consultants is focused on two areas of West Palm Beach, the Northwood section of the city and the business corridor along Broadway.
Business owners like Christopher Molina are thankful.
“Waking up in the morning and seeing prostitutes walking down the road and drug dealers, well-known sex offenders. It really is unfortunate because this is such a beautiful area with so much potential.”
He says that in just a couple of days the security team was able to accomplish "so much."
Security officers patrol the neighborhoods from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., seven days a week, and contacts police if enforcement is required.
Police Chief Frank Adderley says the city was prepared to do whatever it takes.
“Our overall goal is to make this a safe neighborhood. We're making some positive strives and we've been successful in a number of things in that neighborhood."
City Commissioner Cathleen Ward tells CBS 12 News that it's part of a pilot program approved by the Community Redevelopment Agency.
“We needed more of a solid presence to push away some of the negative and bad behaviors we've seen in this area for a long time. It takes a group of people to work together. What we noticed is if we can’t get the cops like we want on a consistent basis here, focused on these types of issues, then we needed to pull from elsewhere.”
She says it's being funded through Tax Increment Financing, or (TIF) dollars.