In Tacoma, a local security company named Blue Falcon Tactical Solutions is spearheading a new approach to handling encampment sweeps, aiming to alleviate pressure on law enforcement while enhancing community safety. The initiative marks the company’s first substantial operation in the area, taking place near a historically problematic intersection at 96th Street and Hosmer. Tema Woods, the founder of Blue Falcon Tactical, shared his reflections on the area’s notorious reputation, recalling warnings he received about the dangers of being in the vicinity of Hosmer. With a legacy of violence including drug trafficking, gun crimes, and human trafficking, the area has become a focal point for rising concern among local residents and business owners.
Business owners have increasingly voiced their frustrations regarding the surge in violence linked to nearby encampments. Yung, the owner of Helen’s Barber Shop, reported that she has lost over half of her customers due to fears for their safety, particularly following a spate of five shootings within a short timespan. Although she and others have continually sought help from local police and city officials, their pleas have largely gone unanswered. In reaction to this escalating situation, a concerned local business association approached Blue Falcon Tactical for assistance in conducting the encampment sweep, offering $17,000 for the service. Woods clarified that while funds were offered, his team was motivated more by a sense of duty to the community rather than financial gain.
The motivations behind Blue Falcon Tactical’s involvement delve deeper than mere monetary compensation. Woods emphasized the preemptive, altruistic nature of their work, noting that his team is genuinely dedicated to ensuring the safety of Tacoma’s community. The plan included not only the sweep but also efforts to provide shelter and additional resources for those displaced by the encampment, highlighting a more compassionate approach to a complex issue. Furthermore, Woods and his colleagues are set to conduct daily patrols for an extended period to keep the area secure and maintain its cleanliness, thereby creating a healthier environment for residents and businesses alike.
Woods believes that the success of Thursday’s operations can serve as a model for how future encampment sweeps may be conducted. To formalize this new structure, he is currently engaging with legislators to draft a ‘Community Security Act.’ His vision for the bill includes clarifying the responsibilities and rights of security personnel and empowering private security firms to assist in situations where police departments may lack the resources to respond adequately. This initiative could reshape the landscape of community safety in Washington by offering alternative solutions to situations that have traditionally fallen solely to law enforcement.
The team at Blue Falcon Tactical Solutions, primarily made up of ex-military personnel, brings a unique skill set to the table. Many members possess firsthand experience from tours in conflict zones such as Afghanistan and Iraq, which Woods believes equips them well to handle the challenges presented by local security issues. Their commitment to the community is evident, as Woods explains that his team understands the need for action and is ready to step up where the conventional systems might falter. By doing so, they aim to foster a more sustainable and proactive approach to public safety that encompasses both enforcement and community support.
In summary, Blue Falcon Tactical Solutions is pioneering an innovative, community-centered model for approach to encampment sweeps in Tacoma. Their unique strategy not only seeks to enhance security by independently filling gaps left by local law enforcement but also addresses the humanitarian aspects of encampment management. Woods envisions a collaborative approach involving legislative support that empowers private security entities to take on a more substantial role in community protection, thereby redefining how safety and security can be approached in urban settings. This initiative serves as a forward-thinking effort to combat not only crime but also the social challenges that accompany homelessness, with the overarching goal of creating a saferand more supportive Tacoma for all its residents.
