Beverly Hills stores prepare for unrest following Election Day

The Beverly Hills Police Department will spend $4.8 million to beef up its security in anticipation of potential civil unrest following Election Day. 

The money is being spent to hire two private fully armed security companies as well as bring officers from Santa Paula to the area. 

Late last week, several businesses started boarding up their shops in anticipation of any violence that could come from the elections.  

The famed Rodeo Drive will be shut down and police will be on tactical alert preparing for any protests or looting.

“You’re going to see them in either high visibility fixed posts, very similar to what we did with the National Guard back in June. And you are also going to see them in directed patrols, really looking for areas that have been impacted before,” said Beverly Hills Assistant Police Chief Marc Coopwood.  

Starting Saturday, police will go on tactical alert, meaning 12 hours on 12 hours off with no days off allowed.

This will go one until after the election. Starting Monday, traffic will be restricted on Rodeo Drive and  on Election Day, traffic will be shut down for cars and pedestrians.

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