The City of Bellingham has invested in a private security contract to service the Downtown Bellingham safety area seven days a week, 24 hours per day. Risk Solutions Unlimited (RSU) officers are contracted to be eyes and ears as well as liaisons to problem solve issues occurring on public property and rights of way.

 

Downtown Security Patrols

RSU has been highly regarded for their extensive training in de-escalation, non-violent and trauma-informed communications, and commitment to relationship-building and community service. They act as a supportive resource for the downtown business community, residents and visitors; respond to behavioral needs and minor crimes, such a graffiti, littering, public inebriation and trespassing on non-private property; and serve as a connection to downtown resources, including Bellingham Police.  

If You Need Non-Emergency Assistance To An Issue Occurring Downtown

Dial 800-824-2383

Downtown Security Patrol Program Goal:

Provide downtown stakeholders with support to respond to behavioral health needs, minor criminal activity and public disturbances by providing a visible presence, de-escalation, reporting and referrals within the Downtown Safety Area (see map).

Scope of Contract & Resources:

  • Two safety agents patrol each shift seven days a week:

    • 8:00am-5pm

    • 6:00pm-3:00am

  • One additional security guard patrolling the City-owned parking garages

  • One supervisor providing support and additional patrols, 12 hours/day

More Frequently Asked Questions

  • The City of Bellingham has created a printable guide to navigate common scenarios that may result in calling RSU or the Bellingham Police Department. You may print this guide or request a copy by contacting RSU at 800-824-2383.

  • The RSU security staff will be clearly identified and uniformed (see above).

  • No. The RSU security staff are unarmed. They are trained in de-escalation and customer service and will provide additional “eyes on the street” to deter crime, assist those in need, and support other downtown service providers, such as the Homeless Outreach Team (HOT) and downtown Clean Team. RSU has a hands-off policy and is focused on building relationships with all Downtown stakeholders.

  • Business owners and members of the public can contact this security team directly for any non-emergency concerns or to request an escort with a 24/7 dispatch line:

    #800-824-2383

    There is only one security patrol guard on duty at any given time, so response times may vary depending on the amount of activity.

    Immediate life/safety issues should always be directed to 911.

  • The downtown safety patrols contract is paid for through the City of Bellingham’s General Fund.

  • The role of police is not affected by downtown safety patrols, and the downtown safety patrols do not replace police officers. The role of downtown safety patrols is to add additional “eyes on the street” to deter crime, assist those in need, and support other downtown service providers such as the Homeless Outreach Team.

    If security personnel witness a crime in progress, they will call 911. The 911 dispatch center may also send downtown safety patrols to a call that doesn’t require police response.

  • Yes, the downtown security patrols are trained in de-escalation and can connect individuals with other services, such as the Homeless Outreach Team.

    You may contact RSU at the dispatch number with additional questions:

    #800-824-2383

  • For additional questions and information, contact Darby Galligan, Senior Planner at dgalligan@cob.org or (360) 778-8389