Report Prepared by: Brian Rinder, Sergeant, Police Department
Title
SUBJECT: Public Hearing to Consider Adoption of a Resolution Granting a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity for Hastings Patrol Services to Engage in Private Patrol Services
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers approving a Resolution granting and issuing a certificate of public convenience and necessity to Hastings Patrol Services.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion approving Resolution 2026-13, a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Merced, California, granting a certificate of public convenience and necessity to Hastings Patrol Services.
Body
ALTERNATIVES
1. Approve as recommended by staff; or,
2. Deny the recommendation; or,
3. Modify the staff recommendation.
AUTHORITY
Section 5.40.020 of the Merced Municipal Code requires that before any person can engage in the business of operating a private patrol service or to engage in employment as a patrolman of such private patrol service a certificate of public convenience and necessity must be issued by the City Council.
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES
As provided for in the 2025-26 Adopted Budget.
DISCUSSION
The City has received a business license application from Hastings Patrol Services, a private security firm requesting to do business within the City of Merced. Hastings Patrol Services is a licensed security contractor based out of Alameda, California. Hastings Patrol Services provides security services in Santa Clara County and is seeking to conduct business in Merced County.
The company is requesting a City license to provide security services in the City of Merced.
Hastings Patrol Services holds a Private Patrol Operator License (PPO119771) issued by the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services. This license is valid until May 31, 2026. The company is in good standing with the California Department of Consumer Affairs. Currently, Hastings Patrol Services employs two security guards, including a qualified manager.
The business has one active contract in Santa Clara County and two pending contracts to provide services in the City of Merced. A background check conducted by the Merced Police Department confirmed that both the business and the qualified manager are in good standing, with the exception of one disciplinary action on file with the California Department of Consumer Affairs.
In September 2022, Hastings Patrol Services received a citation from the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services for violating the Business and Professions Code, Section 7583.2(c). The violation was due to the company's failure to maintain an accurate and current record of completion of training for each employee, as well as for retention purposes. The disciplinary action will remain on record until September 2027. The business paid a $1,000 fine for this violation and has not had any subsequent issues since then.
IMPACT ON CITY RESOURCES
None.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Business License Application
2. Merced Police Department Private Patrol Application
3. Bureau of Security and Investigative Services licensing details for License # PPO119771
4. Resolution 2026-13