Allied Universal unarmed security ambassadors, wearing yellow and black uniforms, are stationed throughout West Hollywood. (photo by Sam Mulick)

Allied Universal took over as West Hollywood’s security ambassador program on Oct. 1, in place of Block by Block.

Allied Universal security ambassadors conduct unarmed security patrols by foot and bicycle, assist with special events and are stationed at kiosks throughout West Hollywood. The ambassadors wear black and yellow uniforms.

In August, the West Hollywood City Council approved a 20-month, approximately $10.1 million agreement with Allied Universal Security Services to take the place of Block by Block, which has provided security ambassadors to the city since 2013. Ambassadors also provide specialized de-escalation services to unhoused community members and can administer Narcan to people experiencing overdoses.

West Hollywood city staff chose Allied Universal following a request for proposal process, in which 35 responses were received, because its proposal more closely aligned with the city’s needs, director of community safety Danny Rivas said, but did not expand on how their proposal better serves the city. Allied Universal has previously provided unarmed security guard services to many government agencies, including the city and county of Los Angeles.

As part of the transition, representatives from Allied Universal said that it will offer current Block by Block ambassadors a fast-tracked recruitment process to continue their work in West Hollywood.

“The security ambassador program has been an important aspect of West Hollywood’s strategy for community safety for many years,” Mayor Chelsea Byers said. “As we welcome Allied Universal into this role, we look for the standards and practices and values of the West Hollywood community to be reflected in our working relationship and approach to community safety and care.”

“The transition of security ambassador operations is going smoothly and we’re looking forward to the next few weeks as newly hired security ambassadors become familiarized to the city and join colleagues who have former experience in working in West Hollywood,” said Danny Rivas, director of community safety. “The city of West Hollywood, in consultation with the Public Safety Commission and community input, implemented a yellow and black color combination to provide greater visibility in the community during all hours of operation. This is a change from the blue and black colors used in the past.”

The city also introduced a 24/7 call and text hotline at (323)848-6500 and a dedicated information page at weho.org/security. Community members can also submit a request for service for security ambassadors through the city’s official app. Additionally, the previous phone number for Block by Block emergency intake, (833)WEHO-BBB, will be forwarded to the new number for Allied Universal for one year. Community members interested in submitting an employment application to Allied Universal Security Services can visit securitycareers-aus.icims.com/jobs.

“Allied will continue delivering the high level of service the West Hollywood community has come to expect, including uniformed bicycle, kiosk, foot and vehicle patrols, as well as fixed-post, special event and transit security ambassador services,” Rivas added. “When you’re out and about in West Hollywood, please don’t hesitate to say hello to our security ambassadors; they’re here to help and to keep our community safe.”

For information, visit weho.org/ servicerequest.