Why was Montclair Security created?
In response to an uptick in crime in our community starting in 2012, a small band of Magellan Drive residents started walking patrols. This proactive security approach has since evolved to hiring a private security service for nearly daily patrols. There are numerous benefits to having a single entity like Montclair Security lead this effort:

• Having each household individually contract with a private security firm does not give flexibility to provide patrol services to the entire neighborhood
• A single legal entity greatly simplifies contracting with the private security firm
• A single entity gives us an opportunity to specify a contract which provides a direct connection between the level of funding and the number of patrol hours

What is the purpose of the neighborhood patrol?
The neighborhood patrol is intended to provide visual deterrence against crime in the patrol area, and fast repsonse to any suspicious incidents. The private security firm regularly patrols our streets and provides protective services to everyone in the area.

Is my street covered by the neighborhood patrol?
Check the current coverage area on this map to see if your street is covered.

What are the specific hours of coverage?
Our members are kept abreast of patrol hours in our newsletter and on this website. If you are a member, please go here to receive updates on the specific hours of coverage monthly. If you are not yet a member, please click here.

Will you be offering household-specific services?

In coordination with the private security firm, Intervention Group (IGI) does offer household-specific services such as vacation watch and alarm response for members. If you are a member and would like to sign up for vacation watch, please do so here: Vacation Watch Request. For alarm response, please do so here: Homeowner Information Form.

Are the patrol officers armed?
Patrol officers will not carry firearms or tasers in accordance with the terms of the contract between IGI and Montclair Security. They may carry mace or batons if they are licensed, but both entities have agreed that the officers will not carry batons at this time. We are not contemplating a move to armed patrols for the foreseeable future. This is consistent with the practices of all neighboring security associations.

What interaction will the patrol officers have with residents or other persons in the patrol area?
The patrol officers are part of the community and we expect them to engage with neighbors on their daily rounds whenever possible.

What are the rules of engagement should the patrol officer come across or be called to an incident?
Because the patrol officers are unarmed, in general they will not physically intervene, instead observing at a safe distance and calling the police if there is indication of criminal activity. The officers are also trained to provide eyewitness and other evidence to OPD.

When a crime is in progress and a person is being harmed or facing imminent harm, the patrol officer may choose to physically intervene if he judges it is safe to do so.

Have the patrols been effective at reducing crime?
A sister neighborhood organization, Safer Rockridge has analyzed the impact of the patrols on burglaries and robberies in Rockridge with statistical modeling using over seven years of Oakland-wide, historical data up through October 2014. They estimated that burglaries and robberies during that timeframe were down by 30% relative to what would have been the case absent the patrols. While our own results may vary, we found these results compelling. Review Safer Rockridge crime reduction analysis.

How are you communicating with the community?
We are establishing a Whatsapp group for members to report and discuss their concerns, and publish an electronic Quarterly Newsletter published by our volunteer Board of Directors, which we use to provide crime trends, patrol service updates and pertinent neighborhood information. We also participate in community meetings on the topic of public safety.

Have you considered other crime prevention alternatives?
Prior to engaging a private security firm, we considered various alternatives including neighbor patrols and security cameras. The evidence provided by other neighborhoods led to the conclusion that patrols are the most effective as a crime deterrent. We may explore other alternatives in the future.

What kind of training do the private security firm officers receive?

The average IGI security officer typically has over 5 years of experience.

In addition to a desire to learn and claim responsibility for “their” territory, you will find IGI officers friendly and motivated to provide exemplary service.  IGI training is above and beyond government requirements and our officers are set apart in understanding at no time are they performing enforcement of the law but controlling property and area.

What about racial profiling?
The officers will not engage in profiling of any type. They will not stop or question persons on the basis of race or ethnicity. If they are called to an incident by a member of the community, their approach will be to observe at a safe distance. Police will be called if and only if there is indication of criminal activity.

If I have a concern or other feedback about the patrols, who do I contact?
Please contact Montclair Security.