Scientology Patrols off their property

[Brandi D'Amore]

Please know that at our prompting and advising of HUNC that Scientology security staff has been found to be patrolling public property, i.e., Victor's Square, eastern side of Bronson, etc. while armed (though unclear if taser or gun), a meeting with LAPD will be held shortly. There has been, since the shooting on their property (found to be by private security), people indicating discomfort because they have experienced harassment at night while walking home by said security. The meeting is to discuss the legality of their patrols, if weapons are permitted off-property if they are to be used only in the service of their duties while on property, etc.

As soon as I know of meeting (which cannot be held during the regular monthly Public Safety Meeting), I will provide the date.

In the meantime, if you could report any incidents that you have had or that you have heard of, please let me know.

[Melanie]

Regarding the recent uptick in crime around the neighborhood, shouldn't we welcome their presence. For the past couple of years HUNC has thought they had an agreement with the local business' to hire a security guard to patrol the surrounding area, yet that has not gone through yet for several reasons. Mainly how it would be paid for and the division of the payment and who would be responsible. Perhaps you can talk to Andrew about this and see if he can get together with the other business owners to formulate a plan.
Melanie

[Brandi D'Amore]

We met with the Public Safety Committee on the 5th. There are concerns because the Scientology patrol were engaging in ersatz pat downs, forcing people onto their knees, general harassment of people who live in the neighborhood. As the staff is edgy and anxious, this only will promote problems. Some sort of security is desirable, and a meeting with LAPD is scheduled to discuss the legalities of what any security is legally able to cover. Scientology patrols were requested up Canyon by homeowners--however, not on private and public property along the way. We'll see.

[Madonna Cacciatore]

I agree with you, Melanie. Those guys are perfectly harmless to people in the neighborhood but provide an added sense of protection to those who harass people here. I saw one of my tenants being harassed by a guy on the corner by La Poubelle. He was drunk and had actually approached her and started following her. I called the cops - who knows if they came or not. I watched for a while, but the Scientology cop was riding by there later. At least they show up. I don't want to start bitching about people or things that actually help our neighborhood. Let's focus on the things we can do to make it better.

[Brandi D'Amore]

I'm sorry I seem negative. I'm glad to hear one positive account. However, at the Pig, since the shooting, we've heard several negative accounts of residents being harassed by staff, alarmed that they are armed off property, and being forcibly put to the ground when they could not account to the Sceintology staff as they wished. It is enough of a concern that the LAPD will be meeting with HUNC about it.