In Los Angeles, where affluence meets vulnerability, a rising trend has emerged. High-net-worth individuals are increasingly turning to private security forces, ready to protect them from the ever-growing threats of looting, wildfires, and other crises. One company, Covered 6, stands at the forefront of this industry.
Providing state-of-the-art services for celebrities, business moguls, and politicians, this organization operates as a “private army” safeguarding the elite. With advanced surveillance systems and a team trained in high-tech crime-fighting, Covered 6 is pushing the boundaries of security.
The Role of Private Security in Los Angeles
Instagram | westsidecurrent | Covered 6 offers top-tier protection with state-of-the-art surveillance.
Private security is nothing new in L.A. The city has a long history of wealthy individuals seeking protection from various threats. However, as public safety resources become stretched thinner, many are opting for private services that provide more immediate, high-tech solutions.
Covered 6, for instance, offers its clients unparalleled protection using the latest in crime surveillance technology. From unmarked vans equipped with radar sensors and drones to mobile command centers, this security force utilizes advanced tools that surpass those available to local police forces.
Founder Chris Dunn, a former LAPD officer, emphasizes that private security companies are often the driving force behind innovation in the field of safety. “We have the resources to experiment with new technologies and techniques,” Dunn shares. “It’s an opportunity for us to solve problems that others can’t.”
A Night With Covered 6
On one particular night, the team from Covered 6 was on high alert. As wildfires raged through Brentwood, some of the city’s wealthiest neighborhoods were evacuated. The streets were empty, save for national guardsmen watching for looters. In the midst of the chaos, a white van—unmarked and inconspicuous—was parked outside a $15 million mansion. Inside the van, however, was an entirely different story. A mobile surveillance center housed flat-screen monitors, radar sensors, and communication equipment that provided real-time updates to the team.
Dunn, who has been in the security business for years, leads the operation with precision. “No one else has this kind of tech on the ground,” Dunn proudly notes, pointing to the equipment surrounding him. His company’s unmarked vans patrol the streets, discreetly monitoring the situation, all while remaining under the radar.
Private Army or Public Service?
Instagram | c6securityacademy | The rise of private security raises questions about parallel justice systems.
While the technology and professionalism of private security companies like Covered 6 cannot be denied, the rise of these services has sparked a debate. Are these private security forces becoming a parallel system of justice? For the super-wealthy, hiring private security might feel like a necessity.
They can afford it, and it provides them with peace of mind. However, questions about equity arise when these services are only accessible to those with substantial wealth. What about the average citizen who can’t afford such protection? Shouldn’t they also have access to the same level of security, especially in times of crisis?
Dunn’s company was even involved in firefighting efforts during the 2018 Woolsey Fire, helping to protect homes in Hidden Hills, including that of celebrity couple Kim Kardashian and Kanye West. This kind of specialized service has led many to ask whether only the ultra-wealthy are entitled to such high-level protection.
The Future of Private Security Forces
In a city increasingly reliant on private security, the lines between public and private safety are becoming blurred. Some argue that this could mark a new phase in public safety—one where the elite are protected by forces independent of the police. Others fear that it could deepen the divide between the wealthy and the rest of the population.
Dunn himself remains focused on advancing his services, constantly seeking new solutions to improve safety. His latest efforts include developing custom fire trucks and water tankers, alongside creating specialized firefighting gear in collaboration with tactical clothing manufacturers. This ongoing innovation has allowed Covered 6 to maintain its position as a leader in the private security industry.
While private armies like Covered 6 may currently cater to the privileged, they’re raising important questions about the future of public safety. As these forces expand, there’s a growing need for conversations about equity, accessibility, and the role of private companies in public protection.
