Bakersfield Municipal Code Ch. 5.42 Private Patrol Services

Sections: 5.42.010 Operator defined. 5.42.020 Statutory exemptions. 5.42.030 Unlawful to wear uniform similar to police or firemen—Approval of uniform. 5.42.040 Unlawful to wear badge similar to police or firemen—Approval of badge. 5.42.050 Color scheme and insignia on vehicles. 5.42.060 Return of identification cards.

“Private patrol operator,” or “operator of a private patrol service” is a person who, for any consideration whatsoever agrees to furnish, or furnishes, a watchman, guard, patrolman or other person to protect persons or property or to prevent the theft, unlawful taking, loss, embezzlement, misappropriation or concealment of any goods, wares, merchandise, money, bonds, stocks, notes, documents, papers, or property of any kind; or performs the service of such watchman, guard, patrolman, or other person, for any of said purposes; or makes investigation or investigations that are incidental to the theft, loss, embezzlement, misappropriation or concealment of any property, or other thing enumerated in this section, which he has been hired or engaged to protect, guard or watch. (Prior code §§ 7.14.010, 7.14.020)

The exemptions set forth in Section 7522 of the California Business and Professions Code apply to this chapter. (Prior code § 7.14.010 (part))

of uniform.

A. It is unlawful for any person to wear, or cause or permit to be worn, any uniform in the operation of a private patrol business that is so similar to the uniform used by the members of the city police or fire departments, that such uniform could reasonably be mistaken for either.

B. No uniform shall be worn by any private patrol operator in the city unless the same has first been approved by the chief of police as meeting the requirements of this section. (Prior code § 7.14.030)

badge.

A. It is unlawful for any person to wear or display, or cause or permit to be worn or displayed, any badge or insignia so similar in design to that used by members of the city police or fire departments, that such badge or insignia could reasonably be mistaken for either.

B. No badge or insignia shall be worn, displayed or used in any manner unless the same has been first approved by the chief of police as meeting the requirements of this section. (Prior code § 7.14.040)

A. It is unlawful for any private patrol operator to paint any vehicle used in his operation with such a color scheme that is similar in design or color of vehicles used by the city police department, the California Highway Patrol, or the county sheriff’s department.

B. No painted badges, stars or decalcomania of badges, stars or other insignia will be affixed on such vehicles used by a private patrol operator unless such badges, stars or insignia have first been approved by the chief of police. (Prior code § 7.14.050)

All operators of private patrol systems shall forthwith return to the city police department all identification cards issued to merchant patrol employees by the city. (Prior code § 7.14.060)