Frequently Asked Questions

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, expanded across the local neighborhood. A single legal entity greatly simplifies contracting and allows us to provide patrol services to the entire neighborhood collectively.

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

Our members are kept abreast of patrol hours in our newsletter and on our members-only area. If you are a member, you will receive updates on the specific hours of coverage regularly.

Yes, in coordination with the private security firm, Intervention Group (IGI) does offer household-specific services such as vacation watch and alarm response for members.

Patrol officers will not carry firearms or tasers in accordance with the terms of the contract between IGI and LMSA. They may carry mace. We are not contemplating a move to armed patrols for the foreseeable future. This is consistent with the practices of all neighboring security associations.

The patrol officers are part of the community and we expect them to engage with neighbors on their daily rounds whenever possible.

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. When a crime is in progress and a person is facing imminent harm, the patrol officer may choose to physically intervene if they judge it is safe to do so.

The average IGI security officer typically has over 5 years of experience. IGI training is above and beyond government requirements and officers understand they are not performing law enforcement, but rather controlling property and the area.

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 called to an incident, their approach will be to observe at a safe distance and only call the police if there is indication of criminal activity.