BURBANK, CALIF., Oct. 10, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Security providers rarely have the opportunity to serve as a vehicle of change in a community, but Andrews International (AI) has had the opportunity to do exactly that in Hollywood, the city where AI has its roots. Since 2006, AI has been honored to support the Hollywood Entertainment and Sunset and Vine Business Improvement Districts and Kerry Morrison, Executive Director of the Hollywood Property Owners Alliance, in bringing together a coalition of organizations and individuals dedicated to ending homelessness in Hollywood.
Morrison observes that "no community can ever expect to undertake an economic revitalization effort without addressing the fundamental issues." From the top down, AI has aligned its approach to security in the Hollywood Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) with this philosophy.
Supporting the BIDs' objective of being more effective agents of community-level change, AI has effectively reduced threats to security and safety throughout the districts through visible security presence, a culture of respect, and success connecting homeless people with placements and resources. The 2009 Rand report recognizes the successful reduction of crime in the BIDs. Between 2007 and 2011, the number of arrests declined by 43%.
Any security provider can put boots on the ground and provide reactive enforcement. The challenge lies in building and maintaining a culture that reduces the need for enforcement in the first place. Enforcement is a necessary part of AI's role in the districts, but enforcement is not the focus. AI officers actually prevent and assist in solving problems by participating in community outreach efforts, maintaining a close working relationship with the City Attorney and approaching violators in a non-confrontational way while offering alternative solutions.
AI's senior executives are personally and professionally invested in the re-development of Hollywood. AI's Founder Randy Andrews is also actively involved in the Hollywood community. When he was honored at the 6th Annual Hollywood Police Activities League (PAL) Benefit, two of the PAL kids introduced him by saying, "Mr. Andrews' company has a reputation for being extremely supportive of community activities that help the homeless and young people. He and his staff really believe in giving back to Hollywood."
Bill Farrar, AI's Senior Vice President of Media and Special Events and Special Armed Services, sits on and/or chairs several community boards and committees. He has served on the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce board for a decade, including a rotation as Chairman. "As a company with deep roots in Hollywood, we really feel that it's important to give back to our community," says Farrar. "We have a talented and driven workforce, and the work we've done has been truly successful. Every effort we put in comes back one hundredfold."
According to Morrison, "Randy Andrews and his company have not only provided superlative security services to private and non-profit Hollywood clients, but Andrews International has raised the bar demonstrating what true corporate social responsibility looks like in Hollywood."
About Andrews International, LLC
Andrews International, LLC headquartered in Los Angeles, California, is a full service provider of security and risk mitigation services with operations throughout the United States and internationally. The company offers uniformed security, consulting and investigative services, personal protection, special event security, training, alarm monitoring and response, and disaster emergency response services. For more information, please visit the Andrews International website at www.andrewsinternational.com.