The Money-Making Private Security Model of the 21 Century

In 2020, facing a surge of unrest in downtown Portland, Oregon, and with an overwhelmed police bureau, local business owners turned to Echelon Security. Founded in 2019, Echelon has pioneered a shared security model, allowing businesses in close proximity to collectively address common challenges, such as vagrancy and public drug use. This approach not only reduces costs but also enables officers to engage proactively with the community, reminiscent of the traditional "officer on the beat" method. The company's success, coupled with its commitment to community welfare through charitable endeavors, positions Echelon as a leading example of the evolving face of public safety in an era where traditional police services are strained.