An Oakland City Councilwoman today proposed that the city employ at-risk youth as safety escorts in and around BART stations.
Following a spate of robberies in her North Oakland district, Councilwoman Jane Brunner said she came up with the idea of the Oakland Ambassadors program as a way of improving public safety in a city where criminals are taking advantage of an officer shortage.
“We need it for two reasons,” Brunner said. “It will help people getting off BART in our city feel welcome to Oakland. We’re having serious issues at eight in the morning, but particularly at night … All people using BART … need to feel safe.” ….
…While Brunner said she hasn’t determined the annual cost of the program, she is proposing using redevelopment funds and contributions from businesses.
The part-time positions would pay $10.39 an hour with benefits and $11.95 an hour without benefits.
BART spokesman Linton Johnson said his agency would support such an effort if the city is willing to find a way to cover the cost.
Phil Tagami, a local businessman who worked with Brunner to develop the concept, said crime is a deterrent to people shopping in Oakland and the ambassador program would be a good way to not only help youth but keep businesses in town.
Brilliant. We could start up a Charlotte Ambassadors program tomorrow. Let’s head Uptown with sign-up sheets.
Who’s with me?
