Increased Security Approved for Laguna Beach City Buildings 

Increased Security Approved for Laguna Beach City Buildings 
The Laguna Beach City Hall area in Laguna Beach, Calif., on October 15, 2020. (John Fredricks/The Epoch Times)
Lynn Hackman
4/13/2021
Updated:
12/21/2023

Laguna Beach city council has unanimously approved funding for increased security systems to be installed at city hall, its police department, and the city’s administrative building.

The contract was awarded April 6 to Am-Tech Security and Network Solutions Inc. at a total cost of about $185,000.

The plan includes the installation of 23 cameras to be mounted both inside and outside of the buildings, and 37 key cards that would be used by city staff to access exterior doors, as well as some interior department area doors.

The security recommendations were made after a joint evaluation conducted by the Laguna Beach Police Department and the Orange County Intelligence Assessment Center (OCIAC).

The OCIAC provides an information and intelligence sharing network that collects, analyzes and disseminates timely information on criminal risks and safety threats to law enforcement, fire, health, private and public sector stakeholders in order to protect residents, visitors and critical infrastructure for cities throughout the county.

“Certainly with all the things we read about in the newspaper, security is really essential,” said Laguna Beach Mayor Bob Whalen. “I’m very glad that staff has undertaken this effort in conjunction with the Orange County Intelligence Assessment Center. I think it will make us all safer, our staff safer and the public who visit these buildings.”

Bulletproof windows already installed at city hall were also part of the recommendation by OCIAC.  IT cyber-security elements were not included in the contract.

Lynn is a reporter for the Southern California edition of The Epoch Times, based in Orange County. She has enjoyed a 25-year career as a senior-level strategic public relations and contingency planning executive. An editor, blogger, and columnist, Lynn also has experience as a television and radio show producer and host. For six years, she was co-host of Sunday Brunch with Tom and Lynn on KOCI 101.5 FM. She is also active in the Newport Beach community, serving as chair emeritus of the Newport Beach City Arts Commission, among various positions with other local organizations.
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