Downtown Van will be trialing contract security coverage through Paladin Security Services on a six-month pilot program.
This pilot program will begin on Thursday, August 15th, 2024 with two full-time guards patrolling the Downtown Van district from 2 PM to 10 PM, 7 days a week to assist our Downtown Safety Ambassadors with high-priority calls. This service will create a buffer between calls that may be outside the scope of the Ambassador role, but below the threshold of warranting a police presence.
This pilot will allow us to test a more comprehensive security service for our members while providing additional support for our Ambassadors. They will have a more security-focused role, while still maintaining a completely hands-off approach to community safety. Together, the Ambassadors and Paladin will continue to assist our members and the vulnerable population in our 90-block catchment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Downtown Van implementing this pilot program and how long is it?
The needs of our members have changed significantly post-pandemic, and this pilot will allow us to have a more robust security response while maintaining Downtown Van’s compassionate approach to handling social concerns. The pilot will run for up to six months.
What specific roles will Paladin Security play that differ from the Downtown Safety Ambassadors?
The Paladin Security team are:
- Certified to administer naloxone.
- Occupational First-Aid Level 2 certified to provide more comprehensive first-aid.
- Able to provide an alternative for a police response to non-violent calls.
The Paladin Security team will not be a replacement for emergency services.
What training and qualifications do Paladin Security personnel have?
This team will have their Advanced Security Training (AST), Occupational First-Aid Level 2 (OFA2), Team Control Tactics, Spontaneous Assault Response and Leadership Skills training. In addition to this, they will have taken the following online courses through Paladin University:
- The Customer Experience
- Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
- Social Media Policy
- Enhanced Note Taking and Report Writing
- Indigenous Awareness
- Investigations and Crime Scene Protection
- Mental Health Awareness
- Opioid Poisoning Response
How can you request assistance?
Please call 604-689-4357 to contact the Community Safety Dispatcher who has an in-depth understanding of each team’s scope and can assign accordingly.
What is the response time of the Paladin security guards?
Wait times may vary, however, given the size of our 90-block district, we will strive to respond within a 30-minute window.
Are there plans to expand or modify the program based on the outcomes of this pilot?
We will determine the need to extend the program when reviewing the pilot results.
Who can I contact for more information?
Please email the Community Safety Manager, Waseem Laher.