BATON ROUGE — A private security firm now staffs City Hall under a new city-parish contract.

The contract is worth up to $48,500 and sets the rate at about $30 an hour for each security officer. The city-parish pays at least $4,050 each week.

Some council members say the new security already makes them feel safer. Councilwoman Twahna Harris said, "I do feel a lot safer about what's happening at City Hall."

The mayor-president's office says that rate is less than extra duty law enforcement, which can cost between $45 and $55 an hour. The city also says cost is not the only factor and points to insurance and liability.

The city says Southern Defense carries its own liability insurance. The mayor-president's office says that could help protect the city if an incident happens while the company's guards are working.

"Our job is de-escalation is the most important thing we do as security officers. Our guys do have firearms, but the firearm is always secondary to de-escalating whatever's happening," David Stanley, the lead trainer at Southern Defense and Security, said.

Mayor President Sid Edwards said the contract with Southern Defense and Security is short-term and is part of a layered security approach. That includes making the building less vulnerable to anyone who walks in off the street.

The firm came to City Hall after several security incidents. Most recently, police arrested Alfred Richardson, accused of raping a City Hall employee in a bathroom.