Ceres Municipal Code Ch. 06 Patrol Services

For the purpose of this chapter, and except where otherwise expressly defined in another section of this chapter, the following words and phrases shall have the meanings provided in this section. Where words and phrases are not expressly defined under this chapter, they shall be construed as their ordinary meaning within the context which they are used:

Patrol services means a watchperson, guard, patrolperson, or other person employed in protecting persons or property, preventing 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 performing the service of such watchperson, guard, patrolperson, or other person for any of such purposes.

Patrol operator means an individual or entity providing patrol services.

(Ord. No. 2020-1057, § 1, 3-23-2020)

A. It is unlawful for any person to manage, carry on, or conduct a business of patrol services within the City, without first securing a permit to do so from the Collector and paying a license tax as set pursuant to section 5.01.040.

B. The permit form for Patrol Services shall contain:

1. If the patrol operator has previously operated a patrol services business, the name of the business, dates of operation, and location of the business; and

2. The uniforms, badges, and vehicles, if applicable, the operator will require the employee to use while on duty.

(Ord. No. 2020-1057, § 1, 3-23-2020)

A. It shall be unlawful for a patrol operator to hire an individual to provide patrol services unless the individual is registered with the California Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSI).

B. Patrol operators shall be required to notify the Ceres Police Department of new employees providing patrol services within five days of hire. It shall be unlawful for an employee to provide patrol services unless the patrol operator has provided the new hire's name and BSI information to the Ceres Police Department.

C. Patrol operators shall be required to notify the Ceres Police Department if an individual is no longer providing patrol services under the patrol operator's business within five days of termination of patrol services duties with the patrol operator.

(Ord. No. 2020-1057, § 1, 3-23-2020)

The Chief of Police shall make or cause to be made such investigation as is deemed necessary to determine the fitness and moral character of the applicant. In addition to the provisions of section 5.02.040, no permit shall be issued to the following:

A. Any person under the age of 21; or

B. Any person not a citizen of the United States, or who has not lawfully declared his intention to become a citizen;

(Ord. No. 2020-1057, § 1, 3-23-2020)

A. The Chief of Police shall approve the design and color scheme of any uniforms or badges, or the color and markings of any automotive equipment used by a private police patrol service prior to granting a permit.

B. It is unlawful for any operator or employee of a private patrol service to wear any uniform or badge resembling the uniform or badge of the Ceres Police Department, or to operate a vehicle which, by color or markings, resembles the vehicles used by the Ceres Police Department.

(Ord. No. 2020-1057, § 1, 3-23-2020)

Permits required in this chapter shall be in the form of a card, which shall bear the signature, photograph and fingerprints of the applicant. Such card shall be issued in duplicate, and one copy shall be placed on file with the Police Department.

(Ord. No. 2020-1057, § 1, 3-23-2020)