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Why Phoenix Councilwoman Yassamin Ansari voted against extra security guards at parks

Last week, the Phoenix City Council voted to approve a pilot program that would put private security guards in 11 city parks for overnight patrol.

As KJZZ News reported, supporters say the extra security guards — who will be unarmed — are needed to enforce park rules and call police when there is illegal activity like drug use in the parks.

But others said it just further targets people experiencing homelessness.

Councilwoman Yassamin Ansari voted against the measure and says there are other ways to ensure safety in city parks. The Show spoke with her to learn how the city could pivot its plan.

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Lauren Gilger, host of KJZZ's The Show, is an award-winning journalist whose work has impacted communities large and small, exposing injustices and giving a voice to the voiceless and marginalized.