Business Crime Prevention task force meeting and discussion of proposal regarding security requirement. Wednesday, March 12, 2003

Summary of the forum:
The Elk Grove Chamber of Commerce provided an opportunity for business owners and managers to ask questions of, and provide their insight to, City officials on the concept of the City recouping costs for multiple police responses to a business. 

City officials informed the group that they are currently in the information-gathering phase of the development of an ordinance. The ordinance is envisioned as a vehicle for the City to recoup costs associated with multiple police responses resulting from 'chronic, self-induced, extra-ordinary problems,' and is not being proposed as a fine or fee. On the first such incident, City representatives would contact the business and work together to find a way to prevent future incidents. The cost recovery would only come into play if efforts were not made to prevent recurrences.

As to whether providing private security services will be made a usual part of the conditions of approval for development projects, it has been done on specific projects because of perceived needs unique to that project, but is not a standard practice for all projects.

The forum also included presentations by the Police Department representatives on crime prevention programs such as the Business Watch program, VIP (volunteer service) and other means of addressing minor nuisances, trespassing and vagrancy.

The chamber will begin working with the Police Department and other agencies to develop and/or provide information to businesses on programs designed to prevent problems. City staff are also available for discussion with any business owner/manager who would like to discuss the alternatives available.

The Chamber will work with City officials as the ordinance is developed and continue to provide information to the business community on the issue. 

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Our thanks to City of Elk Grove staff members for their participation in this important discussion forum: City Manager John Danielson, City Attorney Tony Manzanetti, Police Chief Ed Kelly, Economic Development Director Reid Montgomery and EG Police Community Services Specialist Denise Costello.

Business Crime Prevention task force meeting and discussion of proposal regarding security requirement Wednesday, March 12, 2003

The Elk Grove Chamber of Commerce is providing an opportunity for you as a business owner/operator in Elk Grove to discuss the creation of a business crime prevention program and the concept of requiring extra security or charging businesses for added police calls due to nuisances at business sites.

Please attend this task force discussion to provide your input, ask questions, and learn about how to protect your business.

If you are unable to attend, you may send a representative of your business, or email your questions to the chamber: chamber@elkgroveca.com.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Janet Toppenberg at the Chamber at 916-685-3911 or chamber@elkgroveca.com.