App that's like Uber for private security launches in LA to protect wealthy Angelenos

Wealthy LA homeowners can now book private security via a new app called Patrol, where off-duty police officers will come to their homes and set up watch to make sure the properties are secure. It's like Uber but for private security.

"Introducing Patrol," their marketing post reads. "Homeowners in LA can now book off-duty police officers to help protect their homes. Now available in Brentwood, Beverly Hills, Bel Air, Holmby Hills, and Malibu — more areas coming soon."

"There are times you can't be home," says the New York Times-sounding female voice over, "but that doesn't mean your home has to be unprotected. Maybe the kids just got home from school and you're stuck in traffic. Or maybe you're about to travel halfway across the country, finally taking that vacation.

"Or it's just another quiet night and you'd rather sleep knowing someone is looking out for you. When you book a private patrol, you're getting more than just presence. You're getting protection from off-duty officers. You might not always be home, but with Patrol, someone is."

"Rich Democrats would rather pay for private security than deport criminals," said Mike Cernovich. "Those of you who can't afford this - too bad!"

The video shows a big armed white guy protecting a white family of two parents and a little kid. The logo on the Patrol car reads "to look after others."

LA-based OnGuard Inc said in 2022 that there had been a stark increase in the demand for private security from the local wealthy. "We’ve been getting calls left and right from Beverly Hills, Calabasas, Woodland Hills — all these nice high-premiere areas, nice neighborhoods. Individuals that say, ‘Can I get a security guard to stay overnight from 6 pm to 6 am just to make sure they’re parked in my driveway in a marked vehicle to deter trespassers and burglars?" said OnGuard's CEO Ray Nomair at the time.

This followed a series of high-profile burglaries in the homes of the elite. Philanthropist Jacqueline Avant was murdered in her home by an armed intruder. Actress Lori Loughlin's home was broken into and millions in jewelry were stolen. Dr. Dre's home was burglarized and Real Housewives star Dorit Kemsley was robbed at gunpoint in her home.

"There’s more people in the gated communities (in Southern California) that are more affluent or are of celebrity status who may have not thought too much of security, only using security part-time, that are now looking to go full time," said David Chandler, president of the California Association of Licensed Security Agencies, Guards and Associates.

At the time, crime in LA was on the rise, including violent crime such as homicides and shootings. This is likely why, in the recent LA budget, Mayor Karen Bass proposed sweeping layoffs that hit every sector of the city budget except sworn police officers. In 2022, there had been a hiring freeze for the LAPD.

The crime rate in Los Angeles is 30% higher than the national average, with 3,115 crimes per 100,000 residents. Homelessness is a continuous scourge in the city, which consistently sees over 70,000 people living on the streets.

Los Angeles is a "sanctuary city" in the "sanctuary state" of California, meaning that police officers are not permitted to work with federal agents to secure and remove illegal immigrant criminals from the streets.