San Diego Municipal Code Div. 29 Street Patrol

(a) Definitions — “Private street patrol service” or “Private street patrolmen” as used in this Division shall mean any person, firm or corporation licensed or required to be licensed by the provisions of Business and Professions Code Division 3, Chapter 11.5 (commencing with section 7512) to furnish security and patrol or escort services for the protection of persons or property. It shall also include, for purposes of this Division, motor vehicle or motorcycle escort services provided for a motor vehicle procession of one or more vehicles, even if said escort service is not required to be licensed under State law.

(b) It shall be unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to engage in the
business of conducting or maintaining any private street patrol service in The
City of San Diego:

(1) Without having applied for a private street patrol service permit for
such activity from The City of San Diego; or

(2) After having received notice from The City of San Diego that such
application for a permit has been denied; or

(3) After having received notice from The City of San Diego that such
permit has been suspended or revoked.
(Formerly titled “Private Street Patrol Service — Regulated” retitled and amended
2–23–1987 by O–16812 N.S.)

It shall be unlawful for any person to act as a private street patrolman for a private street patrol service in The City of San Diego:

(a) without having applied for a private street patrolman permit for such activity
from the City of San Diego within five (5) business days following the
commencement of such activity;

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(b) or having received notice from the City of San Diego that such application for
a permit has been denied;

(c) or having received notice from the City of San Diego that such permit has
been suspended or revoked.
(“Same — Employees Regulated” added 1–12–1954 by O–5921 N.S.)

Applications for a private street patrol service or a private street patrolman permit shall be made to the Chief of Police on forms provided by the Chief of Police which shall be in a form fixed by approved rules and regulations. (“Same — Application for Permit” added 1–12–1954 by O–5921 N.S.)

The Chief of Police shall investigate the character and qualifications of all applicants. After he is satisfied that the applicant is of good moral character and qualified to hold the permit applied for, he shall issue the permit, otherwise he shall deny the application and notify the applicant of such denial by notice mailed to said applicant at the address given in his application. (“Same — Investigation” added 1–12–1954 by O–5921 N.S.)

All permits shall be for a term of one year from the date of issuance, and shall be in the form fixed by approved rules and regulations. The permit for private street patrolman shall set forth the private street patrol service for which the private street patrolman is authorized to act. (“Same — Duration of Permit” added 1–12–1954 by O–5921 N.S.)

The Chief of Police may adopt Rules and Regulations, subject to the approval by resolution of the City Council to:

(a) Fix the manner in which private street patrol service shall register the private
street patrolmen acting for them, and the persons whom they serve.

(b) Designate the insignia to be worn by private street patrolmen and limit its use.

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(c) Prohibit the use of private street patrolmen uniform resembling official peace
officer’s uniforms.

(d) Prohibit the use of markings or insignia on private street patrol motor vehicles
that resemble markings or insignia on official police motor vehicles.

(e) Designate the arms and equipment that a private street patrolman may carry.

(f) Otherwise regulate the conduct of private street patrol service and private
street patrolmen so as to effectuate the general purpose of this ordinance.

A violation of approved rules and regulations by a permittee shall be grounds for
suspension of said permit.
(“Same — Rules and Regulations” added 1–12–1954 by O–5921 N.S.)

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Article 3: Police Regulated Occupations and Businesses