Facebook has come up with a $200,000 a year proposal for a full-time cop patrol of its revamped headquarters in Menlo Park, California, for the next three years.
Facebook, the biggest social networking site, is turning to law enforcement officials to offer protection to its neighborhood by giving a hefty paycheck. The move comes after the social network spent millions toward a revamped headquarters in Menlo Park, California. Now, Facebook is willing to spend a generous $200,000 every year for at least three years to have full-time beat cops patrolling its neighborhood. The proposal was unanimously accepted by the City Council, Wednesday.
#CityCouncil unanimously approves agmt w/@Facebook to hire community police officer to support students, schools, businesses in #MenloPark
- City of Menlo Park (@CityofMenloPark) March 5, 2014
Facebook's latest move to police its Menlo Park neighborhood is not for only its company HQ, but for nearby schools and a newly-constructed substation in the Belle Haven neighborhood, about a quarter mile from Facebook's HQ. The company worked out the deal with the City Council after learning the needs of the city.
Facebook approached the chief of Menlo Park police to increase the security in its neighborhood, October last year, and agreed to cover the costs. The contract is currently signed for three years, but will be extended by an additional two years if Facebook so decides.
In a recommendation letter written by Menlo Park Police Commander Dave Bertini, the assigned cop will help schools and businesses to plan out security measures and also gather information on gangs. The officer will hold fire and earthquake drills for schools and businesses.
"They'd be a regular beat cop with a special assignment," Bertini told NBC Bay Area. "They are bending over backwards to be good neighbors. There is no quid pro quo here."
But the move has also raised concerns among some critics. Judy Nadler, the former mayor of Santa Clara said the move was commendable but no special treatment should be given to Facebook or its employees.
