Tacoma Business Improvement Area

Security

BIA Security Patrol
One of the primary functions of the BIA is to provide additional security services in downtown Tacoma. The BIA contracts with a private security firm for this service.

Useful Security Numbers:

BIA Bike Patrol: (253) 383-1131
TPD Downtown Cops: (253) 692-5891
TPD Non-Emergency: (253) 798-4721
Emergency: 911

For workers residents, students, shoppers and employers, the BIA Security Patrol means safety and security in downtown. The BIA Security patrols, in their yellow and black uniforms are a readily identifiable fixture in downtown Tacoma.

Working in partnership with TPD, UWT Security, Pierce Transit and other security entities, via NEXTEL radios, the patrols provide a security presence and respond to calls in downtown from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily.

In addition to their regular patrols, BIA Security is available for security escorts within downtown anytime during operating hours. Call BIA Security directly for assistance, (253) 383-1131.

SecureNet

SecureNet is an email listserve notification system used to alert the downtown community to security incidents and suspicious persons. To be added to the SecureNet please email your contact information to chelseal@tacomachamber.org

Security Advisory Committee

The Security Advisory Committee of the BIA meets monthly to address and share security concerns within the 84-blocks of the BIA. The Security Advisory Committee meetings are open to the public. Security professionals, downtown business and property owners, Tacoma Police Department, Transit agencies, BIA Patrol, and concerned citizens are regular attendees of these meetings.

When: First Thursday of each month

Time: 2:00-3:00 p.m.

Where: Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber

Simpson Community Room

950 Pacific Ave., third floor

To receive meeting notifications please contact Chelsea Levy, (253) 627-2175 or chelseal@tacomachamber.org

How Does Tacoma Spell Relief?

Vandalism, drug dealing, car prowls and aggressive panhandling are generally decining in downtown Tacoma due to cooperative efforts involving the Tacoma Police Department, the BIA, other public safety agencies, citizens and businesses. TPD Special Emphais Team Missions, Emphasis Patrols, good communication and a watchful downtown community have proved effective in decreasing downtown crime, but ongoing success requires continual commitment from a variety of sources.

There are any number of ideas on how to fight crime, but few have proven as successful as the strategy articulated by crime consultant George Kelling in his landmark book, Fixing Broken Windows. Using the now famous analogy of the ``broken window'' (a broken window leads to more broken windows which lead to graffiti, etc., creating an atmosphere conducive to criminal behavior), Kelling argued that by attacking quality-of-life crimes, such as public drunkenness and aggressive panhandling, more serious crimes would be deterred.

The Downtown BIA endorsed a resolution from the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber that encourages local government and member businesses to cooperatively address the current rise in public disorder, petty street crime and nuisance behavior in downtown Tacoma and adjacent neighborhoods through coordinated deployment of the following strategies:

Report incidents to 911 to document problems

Partner with others for "safety in numbers" - support renewal/expansion of the downtown Business Improvement Area (BIA) and other such group efforts:

Increase police patrols (e.g., regular swing shift TPD officers in downtown)

Incorporate Community Policing Through Environmental Design (CPTED) into new projects and renovations

Require all organizations and programs to mitigate their community impacts in cooperation with other stakeholders (e.g., management of the Winthrop Hotel)

Tie funding for community services and programs to implementation of evidence-based "best practices"

Encourage public agencies (e.g., Law Enforcement Support Agency) to direct funding into opportunities for improved coordination and communication among public safety providers