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| BID Programs > Hospitality, Safety and Maintenance 
Hospitality/Safety/MaintenanceThe most visible element of the Safety and Maintenance programs of the Downtown BID is the men and women in red uniforms known as Downtown SAM. Safety SAMs provide a reassuring presence on the streets and assist visitors with a variety of needs including directions, transportation information and emergency response. They patrol Downtown daily on foot and bicycle focusing on the busiest pedestrian areas and special events. SAM teams serve as "eyes and ears" for local law enforcement agencies and are radio-equipped for instant reporting. Through high visibility and consistent coverage, they provide effective crime deterrence, warm hospitality and timely information. SAMs are linked by radio to a central dispatch station, where computerized information is available on all local businesses, restaurants, attractions and services. The goal of the maintenance program is to make Downtown cleaner, more attractive and to deter crime and negative activity. Downtown SAMs supplement city services by providing daily sidewalk and curb cleaning, trash bagging and removal of litter in all 140 blocks of the Downtown BID. Heavy street cleaning machines are utilized primarily in the early morning hours and steam cleaning is done at night. SAMs paint light poles, utility boxes, trash receptacles and make minor repairs. Street-level graffiti and illegal posters are removed or painted over within 24 hours of report. Keeping the streets free of litter and graffiti maintains order, sends the message that someone cares and discourages further violations. For more information: |
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