Glendale Police employ Westgate-based 'entertainment squad'

Westgate is a centerpiece of Glendale's entertainment district, and this area just west of Loop 101 has seen constant growth in both its population and number of visitors to the area.

With more than 250,000 residents and venues such as State Farm Stadium and the Desert Diamond Arena in the surrounding areas, Westgate is making safety and enjoyment its top priority.

Most recently, the Glendale Police Department established an “Entertainment Squad” at Westgate. This team patrols the center and surrounding areas throughout the week.

By having a remote command post on-site, Glendale Police can increase response time and be in place quicker and more efficiently.

“Having on-duty and off-duty officers work closely with Westgate security creates a valuable support system to keep the area safe during peak traffic hours on the weekend,” stated Cmdr. Jay O’Neill from Glendale Poice, in a press release.

In addition, Westgate spends upward of $1.75 million annually on private security measures and has invested more than $1 million in new technologies, systems and safety enhancements for the center since 2018.

This includes quadrupling the number of cameras in common areas and parking lots, and plugging into Glendale Police’s Real Time Crime Center .

“One of the most vital elements of our partnership with the Glendale Police Department is our ability to plug in to their Real Time Crime Center,” stated Marta Kenny, director of operations for YAM Properties, in the release.

Westgate also hired more off-duty Glendale police officers, maintains private security 24/7 and has increased parking lot patrol.

The entertainment district enforces a parental escort policy from 7 p.m. to close every day. Any visitor 18 years of age or younger must be accompanied by an adult.