Private security on the DTM? Local firm, for now, is doing it for free in the wake of the Hannah Graham abduction

Downtown Mall store owners and visitors might have noticed a new security presence on the DTM. That’s because Jim Traynor, owner of Crozet-based Traynor Security & Investigations, has taken it upon himself to add additional Mall security in the wake of the abduction of UVA student Hannah Graham.

“ No one hired my firm to provide security to the Downtown Mall,” says Traynor. “ I did it on my own because I feel they should have security there. Especially after the Hannah Graham abduction.”

Traynor says that he and his officers have been getting good feedback from store owners, restaurant owners, and pedestrians about the volunteer patrols, with many saying that “it's been long overdue to have security at the Downtown Mall."

“Unfortunately, I can't provide the Security for free much longer,” says Traynor. “ Even though I'm not getting paid by anyone, I have to pay my officers.”

When asked, Charlottesville Police Chief Tim Longo said he was unaware of any private security presence on the DTM.

"I have offered my services to them [the police] and they told me no they don't need it," said Traynor.

At the time of this post, Longo had not yet responded to questions about the appropriateness and/or legality of Traynor’s efforts. Stay tuned.