In an attempt to crack down on nightlife, the City of Raleigh has been contracting with private security companies, a dangerous practice that puts the power of the State in unaccountable hands. The INDY Week interviewed Dawn Blagrove to get Emancipate NC’s perspective on Raleigh’s strategies for control:
“The use of unaccountable individuals acting as an arm of law enforcement is deeply troubling. Coupled with the fast-moving legislation to allow concealed carry without a permit, these [private security officers] can quickly become vigilantes, without proper accountability and oversight.”
Blagrove says the city should support downtown businesses, “but not at the expense of supporting its residents and people.”
Emancipate NC continues to call upon Raleigh to invest in Raleigh CARES, the independently operating crisis response unit that would exist outside of the police department. This model has been very effective in Durham in reducing the footprint of armed police and increasing quality of life for residents downtown. Paying private security forces with public dollars is not the solution to downtown quality-of-life concerns.