The Department of Water and Power is seeking authorization to create its own armed security force to protect city infrastructure and prevent copper theft. The department says contracted unarmed guards cannot detain or arrest suspects, intervene in crimes in progress, conduct searches, or carry firearms for enforcement purposes. Under the current “observe and report” model, officers can mainly warn people or call 911, which can delay intervention and reduce investigative effectiveness. The proposal would start with 20 to 50 sworn officers hired over five years, supported by additional staff. If approved, officers would be able to carry firearms, make arrests, and investigate thefts. Critics question the cost and whether the small force would be sufficient.
"“They lack the authority to detain or arrest suspects, intervene in crimes in progress, conduct searches, or carry firearms for enforcement purposes,” according to a May 21 report from the city agency. “Delays hinder timely intervention, reduce investigative effectiveness, and contribute to repeat victimization of LADWP facilities.”"
"Under DWP's current “observe and report” security model, an officer who sees someone cutting a fence or stripping copper from a transformer has little authority apart from yelling a warning or making a 911 call, according to the department report."
"The proposal asks for 20 to 50 sworn officers to start, hired over a five-year period, along with support staff. If approved, the force would give the agency's officers the authority to carry a firearm, make arrests and investigate thefts. The plan was scheduled to be discussed Thursday by the City Council."
"For thieves looking to strip Los Angeles for parts, copper has become a fast-moving currency. The problem has become so persistent that the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power is now asking for its own armed police force to protect vulnerable utility equipment, street lighting and critical infrastructure, insisting that the department's contracted and unarmed security guards aren't cutting it."
#copper-theft #armed-security #critical-infrastructure #los-angeles-department-of-water-and-power #streetlight-repairs
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