With a rise in residential population, further development and an increase in visitors, the city of Cleveland has partnered with Downtown Cleveland Inc. to raise its investment in their Clean & Safe Ambassadors program.
Safety ambassadors are citizens trained in de-escalation and security that are assigned to specific patrol routes and discuss safety concerns with business operators, employees and residents. They don’t have guns; just walkie-talkies, a first aid kit and their cellphone. Ambassadors are ready to call in police, firefighters or EMTs at the first sign of emergency. Residents and downtown workers can call them for safety escorts or if they get locked out of their cars.
Ambassadors also serve as hospitality agents who enjoy talking to people, whether it’s sparking a conversation after assisting someone with directions or dining recommendations or intervening with aggressive panhandling or observing and reporting any suspicious activity.