Beverly Hills Agrees To Additional $4.8M For Police And Security

BEVERLY HILLS, CA — The Beverly Hills City Council agreed during a Tuesday study session to provide $4.8 million in supplemental police and security services in anticipation of potential unrest surrounding the Nov. 3 presidential election.

The additional aid includes overtime for BHPD officers, services by two private armed security firms, support from the Santa Paula Police Department, and five new temporary BHPD officers.

Interim Chief of Police Dominic Rivetti told the Council that the upcoming election could exacerbate existing tensions, which have already been in full display in Beverly Hills. Since George Floyd died in police custody in late May, the city has been the site of numerous protests, especially near City Hall and the Business Triangle. In June, the city enacted a permanent emergency curfew barring anyone from entering residential areas past 8 p.m.

Beginning in August, the city has seen near-weekly protests between rival pro and anti-Trump forces that occasionally result in violence.

On Sunday, police estimate that 450 protesters marched from Beverly Gardens Park to the Business Triangle. No arrests or violence were reported.

Given this history, the department is not taking any chances. Starting Oct. 31, the department will be split between two alternating 12-hour shifts, with no days off. According to Assistant Chief of Police Marc Coopwood, the department would contract with the Santa Paula Police Department to provide two sergeants and 1o officers for 12 hours a day.

The city would also hire two armed private security companies, Nastec International, Inc., and Covered 6. A total of 80 security personnel, with 40 officers from each firm, would provide security through November and December.

The proposal also called for hiring five additional officers, who would be considered "overhires" since they exceed the department's 145 authorized full-time positions.

The city also mutual aid agreements with Santa Monica, Culver City, West Hollywood, UCLA, and the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. Rivetti also said that the department is working with the LA County District Attorney's Office, the Department of Justice, the Bureau of Narcotic Enforcement, and the US Marshals Fugitive Task Force.