Beaumont Municipal Code Ch. 5.52 Private Patrol Operators

A. "Private patrol operator", or "operator of a private patrol service", is a person who agrees to furnish, or furnishes a watchman, guard, patrolperson 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 a watchman, guard, patrolman, or other person, for any of these purposes.

B. "Security guard" or "security officer" is an employee of a private patrol operator, or an employee of a lawful business who performs the functions as described in Subdivision A above, on or about the premises owned or controlled by the customer of the private patrol operator or by the guard's employer or in the company of persons being protected.

C. "Street patrolperson" is a security guard or security officer employed by a private patrol operator who performs the functions described in subdivision A above, by street patrol service utilizing foot patrol, motor patrol, or other means of transportation in public areas, streets or public thoroughfares in order to serve multiple customers.

(Ord. 946)

Every private patrol operator or operator of private patrol service within the City shall register with the City Police Department. Such registration shall include full information as to the identity of the private patrol operator and the identity of each security guard, security officer and/or street patrolpersons employed by such operator. The City reserves the right to refuse registration to any person of bad moral character. In addition to such registration, private patrol operators and their employees shall file a copy of their state identification card(s) with the Police Department.

(Ord. 946)

A. Uniform. Private patrol operators and employees thereof shall restrict the colors and markings of their uniforms to be distinctly different from those of City Police and Fire Personnel, Riverside County Sheriff Department and Fire Personnel, and California Highway Patrol personnel. Thus, for example, dark blue, black, or tan and green are not permitted colors and markings. The use of the word "Police" on any uniform item, by any private patrol operator is prohibited.

B. Badges and Patches. Badges or cap pieces and shoulder patches worn or displayed by private patrol operator and their employees shall not resemble that of Police or Fire personnel in any manner including, without limitation, shields, whether oval or eagle, and stars. Shoulder patches, cap pieces, and badges shall include the word "Private" in distinctive white lettering on a contrasting background. The use of the word "Police" on any badge or patch is prohibited.

C. Vehicles. All automobiles operated by private patrol operators and their employees shall not resemble that of a City Police vehicle as specified in the California Vehicle Code. Color schemes shall not include black or white variations. Private vehicles shall clearly display the word "Private" in not less than four-inch tall capital letters on all sides of each vehicle. Nor shall such vehicles be equipped with any after-market lighting device other than rear flashing amber lights; strobe lights and wig-wags are not permitted although spotlights may be used. The use of the word "Police" on any vehicle is prohibited.

(Ord. 946)

A. Infraction. Any person engaging in business as a private patrol operator who is not licensed by the State of California is guilty of an infraction and is punishable by a fine of $1,000.00. No portion of the fine may be suspended by Court unless as a condition of that suspension the defendant is required to submit proof of a current valid license for the profession of private patrol operator which was the basis for his or her conviction.

B. Administrative Action. In the event any provision of this chapter is violated, the Chief of Police may file a complaint with the Director of Consumer Affairs of the State of California for the purpose of seeking a suspension or revocation of the private patrol operator's license.

(Ord. 946)

In addition to the license required by the State of California, every private patrol operator shall annually obtain a business license from the City.

(Ord. 946)