The city of Melbourne has introduced a new security patrol in its downtown area in response to business owners’ concerns about safety. The initiative, which began in early March, aims to create a more secure environment for residents, visitors, and business patrons.
The security officer patrols from Tuesday through Sunday, between 4 p.m. and 9 p.m. This schedule helps cover a period when police resources may be stretched thinner due to higher call volumes. The patrol focuses primarily on New Haven Avenue, stretching from U.S. 1 to McQuaid Street.
Local business owners have already noticed a difference. Many business owners we spoke to have reported an increased sense of safety and comfort since the security presence began. While some longtime visitors to Melbourne say they have never felt unsafe, they acknowledge and welcome the benefits of proactive security measures.
The security officer’s duties include monitoring quality-of-life concerns such as noise disturbances, sidewalk obstructions, customer interference, trespassing, graffiti, and aggressive panhandling. Officials emphasize that the new patrol does not replace law enforcement but serves as an additional layer of protection for the community.
The program, funded by the city’s Downtown Community Redevelopment Agency, will run as a one-year pilot at a cost of $23,000. This investment complements the $140,000 recently spent on security cameras as part of Melbourne’s ongoing community policing efforts.
City leaders and business owners hope that the initiative will prove successful and potentially expand in the future, reinforcing Melbourne’s commitment to a safe and welcoming downtown experience.
