Santa Fe Allocates $750,000 for Private Security at City Plaza Amid Business Concerns

Credit: City of Santa Fe Tourism

Santa Fe, N.M. — In response to concerns raised by local business owners, the City of Santa Fe has committed $750,000 to fund private security guards employed by Condor Security of America to patrol parts of the city’s iconic plaza and downtown. The decision follows store owners' complaints about disruptive activities that have impacted the area’s atmosphere.

"There were vagrant activities and some panhandling," Randy Randall, the executive director for tourism of Santa Fe, said. "Behavior that they didn't think was appropriate."

This summer, the city began contracting private security to monitor the plaza, a popular destination for both tourists and locals. City officials hope the additional security presence will allow law enforcement to focus on more serious crime elsewhere in the community.

"It's really intended to be much of a proactive program rather than reactive," Randall said.

Credit: Jim Weber / The New Mexican

The six-month private security contract is funded by surplus money discovered during a recent city audit.

City leaders believe the increased security presence will improve the plaza's environment and contribute to a safer, more welcoming space for everyone.

Credit: Jim Weber / The New Mexican

Randall said the program has about 10 guards staffed for regular rounds in the area, with a goal of providing 16 walking guards and two or three more to perform “mobile patrols.”, according to an article published by The Santa Fe New Mexican. The guards provide 24/7 coverage of the Plaza, Water Street, the Main Library, and several other locations.