However, just this evening, as part of ongoing production of responsive materials to my recent CPRA request to the good old Hollywood Media District BID, I received a copy of this December 1, 2016 email from Eugene Shin of the Police Commission to every freaking BID in the City telling them that yes, as a matter of fact, they do have to obey the law. He mentions that he has “received numerous emails and voicemails and I feel this is the most efficient way to answer your questions.” And I just bet the tone was not joyous and grateful!2 Anyway, it’s important to have independent written confirmation that this registration is actually going to happen. Shin also makes it clear that the registration process involves individual background checks of every BID security officer, which is absolutely fabulous news. Turn the page for excerpts if you’re PDF-averse.
Good morning,
I apologize for not responding earlier, I have received numerous emails and calls regarding this matter and I thank you for your response. This was recently added to several projects that I am already working on simultaneously so I also thank you for your patience. This letter applies to security businesses, but I am sending this out to all BID operators to keep all of you informed. I am also sending this out to answer all questions and concerns that you may have. I received numerous emails and voicemails and I feel this is the most efficient way to answer your questions.
Background:
The Los Angeles Police Commission, Commission Investigation Division is the regulatory arm of the Police Commission with respect to processing, issuance, investigation, enforcement and discipline of Police Commission permits. The board issues 52 permits for businesses requiring regulation, including private patrol services & street patrol officers.
Section 52.34(b)(1) LAMC – Private Patrol Service:
It shall be unlawful to engage in the business of maintaining or operating any private patrol service in the City of Los Angeles without first obtaining a license as required by the State of California and a permit from the City.
Most if not all of you should have a Police Commission Permit for private patrol services (P664) described above. If not, we can help you out with obtaining a Police Commission Permit. All of you should already be in the process of renewing your police commission permit which expires at the end of the year. If you do not have this permit, please let me know ASAP.
The following sections will apply to your officers:
There are a total of 42 BIDs throughout the city contracting security guards from several agencies and I am tasked with registering all street patrol officers individually with the Police Commission. The Police Commission determined that individual street patrol officers working BID must register for a permit due to the fact that these officers regularly provide street patrol services in public place.
Due to the fact that your officers fall under the above definitions, they must register and obtain a permit from us.
Here is a brief overview of the process of registering your officers:
- Employer will email me a list of officers working BID upon my request. I will then conduct a thorough background check of each applicant and notify employer if there are any issues with the applicant.
- I will contact each applicant to come to LAPD headquarters to provide requested documentation and register with the Office of Finance to obtain a temporary permit. Applying and obtaining a street patrol officer permit is free of charge and this process takes less than one hour for each individual.
- Upon approval, applicant will be mailed their Street Patrol Officer permit. This is a one time registration process and will apply for the 2017 calendar year. Renewal will be done by mail at the end of the year. Failure to renew by end of 2017, applicant will have to redo the entire registration process.
I am still composing a list of all the security companies providing services for BID. In the near future, I will email you individually on detailed instructions on what I will need to start the application process with your officers. This will take some time on our side so for now, please wait for further instructions via email. About half of the BIDs responded with the security information. If you (BID Operator) have not emailed me your security info yet, please do so by today. Thanks.
Street Plus LLC – Can you email me the list of BIDs that your officers participate in?
Thank you for your time.
Officer Eugene Shin #36191
Los Angeles Police Department
Commission Investigation Division
100 W 1 st St, Room #147
Los Angeles, CA 90012
213-996-1278
36191@lapd.online
Image of Officer Friendly of the Hollywood BID Patrol is a public record, thanks for asking!
- Perfectly reliable, I’m not saying otherwise.
- I have already filed a CPRA request for copies of these emails. Stay tuned, but don’t hold your breath or take other potentially life-damaging measures that assume the request will be fulfilled promptly. It won’t be. BIDs may have to comply with LAMC 52.34 going forward, but the City of LA is not about to start complying with CPRA any time soon.
