City Council directs interim manager to secure 30-day armed security in The Palisades

The Malibu City Council convened for its adjourned regular meeting on May 21, 2025, to address pressing public safety concerns and the potential hiring of a security firm. The meeting began with discussions surrounding the presence of the California Highway Patrol (CHP) in neighboring areas, with council members expressing frustration over the perceived lack of support for Malibu, which is situated on a state highway. The council emphasized the need for better lobbying efforts to secure CHP resources for their city.

A significant agenda item was the proposal to enter into a 30-day contract with a security vendor. The council debated the merits of selecting either Gates Security or another recommended firm, Covered 6. The interim city manager was tasked with executing the agreement based on the council's discussions, which included considerations for armed versus unarmed security personnel. The council ultimately leaned towards armed security, citing safety concerns and the need for adequate protection.

During the deliberations, council members expressed the importance of evaluating the effectiveness of the chosen vendor within the 30-day period, with plans to refer the matter to the Public Safety Commission for recommendations on a longer-term solution. The council also discussed the necessity of ensuring that the selected vendor has appropriate liability insurance coverage.

After thorough discussion, the council reached a consensus to direct the interim city manager to negotiate and execute the agreement for armed security services for a 30-day term, while also seeking input from the Public Safety Commission for future arrangements. The motion was passed unanimously, reflecting a collaborative effort to enhance public safety in Malibu. The council plans to reconvene to review the outcomes of the initial contract and discuss further steps.