City Ordinances

[Samura]

While trying to acquire a contract in a city far away from where I live, I found out that the city has regulations in place pertaining to Private Patrol Operators. There are specific instructions and requirements to follow if PPO's want to conduct business within the city.

I was wondering if such rules do indeed exist in every city, or I misinterpreted. Is it maybe for those who operate out of the city, using the city as their residence? Don't remember reading anything about such kinds of regulations where an operator should register with each city where he conducts business. Am I creating things. What are city requirements usually anyway?

[5423]

Other than being required by law to follow all applicable Federal Codes, the only statutes I've noticed to be truly universal among all incorporated cities in the United States would require that businesses operating in or from their city limits pay fees and taxes.

Beyond that, chaos theory comes into play.

Huh. Feeling cynical today, apparently...

[SecTrainer]

Especially in those states that do not license or regulate security companies at the state level, it's not uncommon for local governments (individual cities and/or counties) to have their own laws and/or regulations. Many times, these are nothing more than license fee requirements that are designed to bring money into the local government coffers, with few if any training and/or other requirements aside from the payment of the licensing fees.

Obviously, this can create a nightmare for security companies that want to operate within a contiguous metropolitan market zone but find themselves having to purchase licenses to operate within each individual jurisdiction within that zone. The Kansas City, Missouri/Kansas metropolitan area is a classic example of this kind of market zone.

[Samura]

After carefully researching city and county requirements for private security firms and I thought I had everything covered, something pops up that I have to take care of. And, I have learned that each area has unique or different requirements.

While what is said here is true and correct, I was wondering if there is good rule of thumb or guideline to follow when opening an office or starting service in a new city. Especially, what if it is a one time, probably one or two days or special event type of deal, what would be the best thing to do? How is it even possible to handle those requirements in such cases? ... Or, how do you usually handle these requirements in general?

[SecTrainer]

If you're in one of those areas where the local jurisdictions have their own licensing fees and/or requirements, unfortunately I know of nothing you can do except to call the office of the city clerk in each city or town where you want to operate, explain what you want to do and ask what you need in order to comply with their licensing laws/regulations.

I'm aware of some companies that aren't very meticulous about this, planning to plead ignorance of the law if they're "caught" operating in an unlicensed situation. I don't recommend it for reasons of liability, and the fines are usually several times what a license would have cost in the first place. To say nothing of getting on the bad side of city officials.

Really, it usually only takes a matter of a morning or so making these calls to compile all of the information you need. In fact, some of the smaller towns especially won't require anything at all, while some others may only require that you register your company with the PD or city clerk by submitting a simple form with a modest fee (or even none at all). And, of course, a few will be more stringent in terms of their process and fees. ALL of them will appreciate the fact that you took the trouble to inquire and want to run your business legally.

Once you gather this information, you'll be in a better position to strategize as to how you wish to expand.

[Samura]

Another comprehensive and to the point response, SecTrainer.

I gathered from what you said that I shouldn't be looking for a formula that works everywhere. I need to call and ask, or find out some other way, what is needed, as each is unique.

I also absolutely do not believe in saying, "I didn't know," for all the reasons you mentioned.

Thanks!

[Nauticus]

After carefully researching city and county requirements for private security firms and I thought I had everything covered, something pops up that I have to take care of. And, I have learned that each area has unique or different requirements.

While what is said here is true and correct, I was wondering if there is good rule of thumb or guideline to follow when opening an office or starting service in a new city. Especially, what if it is a one time, probably one or two days or special event type of deal, what would be the best thing to do? How is it even possible to handle those requirements in such cases? ... Or, how do you usually handle these requirements in general?

It's your job, as a manager or account manager to be familiar with specific laws regarding your company and your service.

As well, depending on how you got the contract, many RFP (Request for Proposals) may have strictly stated guidelines that you have to follow while applying for and servicing that client.

[SecTrainer]

Another comprehensive and to the point response, SecTrainer.

I gathered from what you said that I shouldn't be looking for a formula that works everywhere. I need to call and ask, or find out some other way, what is needed, as each is unique.

I also absolutely do not believe in saying, "I didn't know," for all the reasons you mentioned.

Thanks!

Yes - except for the part about "finding out some other way". My advice is to go straight to the best and most up-to-date source of information - i.e., the town clerk, the city clerk or the county clerk for the governmental entity in question. (If the clerk's office doesn't handle this, they'll know exactly which official, office or department you need to contact.)

Do not trust "other sources", whether it's a web page that purports to tell you everything you need to know, a person who says they've "been there done that", etc.

If I ever did screw up somehow, I'd a lot rather be able to say that I contacted a government official than "I read it on a website...", or "A friend told me....". Besides, the BONUS is that these are valuable government contacts anyway for a variety of reasons. You certainly won't lose anything by having them.

Which brings me to this: Before starting this project, I'd create a little spreadsheet so you can document who you spoke to, phone AND email addy, the date of your contact, etc. And, if you do have to register or get a license in a certain jurisdiction, this spreadsheet could also have columns for the license info (number, issue date) which could then serve as an automatic renewal tickler file with just a speck of Excel date functionality.

[Samura]

Thanks, SecTrainer! ... Great advice.

[alowe56]

I don't know if it's still in effect, but Chicago had a law that stated the standard firearm of a private security guard was limited to a .38 Special revolver. I don't know if it was ever enforced. When I worked there, I carried either a S&W Model 59 9mm, or a Colt Series 70 Gov't Model .45ACP. None of the CPD officers I ever came into contact with said a word, other than one that wanted to buy my Model 59.

Seems strange, now that I think about it, as Illinois had and has regulations about training and licensing for security firms and officers.