After months of complaints over teen loitering and criminal activity, the Gilbert Town Council is looking at posting unarmed security guards at two Heritage District parking garages.
The proposal comes in response to several incidents, including the tragic fall of a 19-year-old last month and multiple teen-on-teen assaults.
Resident Charisia Arnold voiced concerns about the town’s plan, arguing that the proposed security measures are insufficient to address the ongoing issues.
"Let's remember that a 19-year-old fell off the top of the garage and died and that was there on a Monday night at 11 o'clock at night,” Arnold said. “This was not during peak hours, which is when you guys are discussing having the security down there."
If the proposal passes, an unarmed guard will be stationed at each garage from Wednesday through Saturday, between 6 p.m. and 2 a.m. The council is expected to vote Aug. 6 on the issue.
The proposal for unarmed security guards contrasts with the council’s decision late last year to approve armed guards for its two municipal buildings.
