Legion Corporation, a private security company based in Fresno, California, has been awarded a contract to patrol the Promenade and Downtown areas in Santa Monica [3710e6d7]. The company was selected after a request for proposals and will replace the previous security company, Covered 6. Legion Corporation, founded in 2012 by former Police Officer Joseph Shelley, has clients in California, Oregon, Washington, the UAE, and the UK. The security personnel from Legion will wear gray button-up shirts, black pants, and blue baseball caps to distinguish themselves as non-police officers. They will be equipped with non-lethal forms of defense such as batons and pepper spray, but will not carry lethal weapons. The areas to be patrolled include the Third Street Promenade, surrounding blocks, and other zones in Downtown Santa Monica. During the first week of operation, Legion will focus on training, community engagement, and security functions. The company aims to provide an official and friendly security presence and will work closely with the Santa Monica Police Department, calling for backup if an armed response is required. The public will have the opportunity to meet the Legion security team and learn more about their deployment during scheduled meet and greet sessions. Additionally, the Community Ambassador program will be extended, and employees of the previous security company are invited to apply for positions at Legion [3710e6d7].