Hired patrols begin covering downtown Raleigh: 'I think it's important'

Friday, November 3, 2023
RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- On a busy First Friday in Raleigh, from a Dia de los Muertos celebration to a high-end art show, there was something for everyone as people enjoyed a night on the town.

While the city is bustling, there are still lingering concerns from business owners, locals, and visitors alike over safety downtown.
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The Downtown Raleigh Alliance has now contracted with the Renfrow Group to provide added security.

After negotiations, a deal was reached to hire two-person patrols on 12-hour shifts to cover the blocks surrounding Fayetteville Street.

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They showed ABC11 how they plan to operate using body cameras and a connection to an app that can log any incidents that might happen. The patrol team also carries flashlights and pepper spray and has both patrols by car and on foot.
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"I always think that keeping an eye on how the dynamic between people in the community, I think it's important," said Rafael Miranda, who was out enjoying the festival downtown with his family.



The patrols are unarmed, which is a question that has been raised at several city council meetings on the topic.

For now, the patrols are only for downtown, but not on Glenwood South.
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