IPC International Corporation

BANNOCKBURN, IL - IPC International was recently featured in a CBS 12 News segment on security in West Palm Beach, Fla. IPC was retained by the West Palm Beach Downtown Development Authority to supplement patrolling and security efforts in their entertainment district. IPC's initial success with providing security for CityPlace, an urban infill lifestyle center in the downtown area proved their effectiveness and garnered the recommendation of the City's Police Department. Working in full cooperation with the West Palm Beach Police Department, IPC brings more than just security officers, but according to Raphael Clemente, Associate Director of the DDA, public ambassadors. "IPC's security officers interact with downtown visitors, residents and businesses - offering directions, helpful assistance and of course, security. IPC's involvement is the key factor in reducing crime by 47% over a two year period and developing an atmosphere that is welcoming and safe, allowing the area to prosper as an inviting, family-friendly entertainment destination."

The program has been so successful to date that it is about to be expanded. Plans are underway for funds from the economic stimulus package to be earmarked for increasing the area that IPC patrols into a more challenging neighborhood adjacent to the downtown core. West Palm Beach Mayor Lois Frankel supports the spending, saying that the formula is working very well in the downtown area and can be effective in other areas of the City as well.

"They are constant eyes and ears on the street," Frankel said, commenting on IPC's role in West Palm Beach.

One of the keys to IPC's success in partnering with local police is the open communication established via radio interoperability. IPC security officers can talk and listen on the same radio frequency as their police counterparts. This allows for an increased level of communication and a much more responsive security force. This type of radio interoperability is something rarely seen in the industry and represents a substantial step forward in the partnership between private security and police.

This relationship also requires a highly trained security force that can interact with law enforcement at the highest professional level. IPC security professionals are among the most highly trained in the industry.

"As this partnership continues to reduce crime and entice even more patrons to the downtown district of West Palm Beach, we expect it to serve as a leading-edge, enhanced-security model for other urban districts, redevelopment areas and entertainment districts," said Russ Collett, IPC's Chief Operating Officer. "IPC is uniquely qualified to provide highly trained security professionals to replicate this model nationwide and in the United Kingdom."