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Malibu approves short-term park patrols, directs RFP for longer-term security
Summary
Following reports of encampments and public-safety concerns at Legacy Park and Bluffs Park, the council authorized a short-term amendment to the city's security contract to deploy park patrols, asked staff to issue an RFP for a longer-term solution, and set a trial period for the pilot patrols.
The Malibu City Council authorized a short-term contract amendment Nov. 24 to expand park patrols at Legacy Park and Bluffs Park and directed staff to issue a request for proposals for a longer-term contract.
Staff presented three options: amend the existing American Global Security contract for near-immediate coverage, expand the parking contractor's community-ambassador program, or issue a competitive RFP (the city of Calabasas contract was cited as a local model costing about $200,000/year for 24/7 coverage). Staff recommended amending the current American Global Security agreement to add patrol coverage (two guards for an 8-hour daily shift), with an initial pilot term that council extended to up to 120 days to allow an RFP process to run in parallel.
Council members debated armed versus unarmed patrols and whether patrols should work in pairs rather than solo; staff and deputies clarified that private security would not have arrest powers and would primarily serve as a visible deterrent, report incidents and coordinate with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department for enforcement. Council directed the city manager to proceed with an amendment for a time-limited pilot (subject to standard 30-day termination clauses), issue an RFP quickly so a competitive process can begin, and return to council with results.
Public commenters and some council members emphasized coordination with outreach providers and code enforcement so patrols do not simply displace people into more dangerous locations. Questions were also raised about food distribution activities (a local group called CART) and whether those operations contribute to congregation at the civic center; staff said they would continue coordination and outreach to reduce negative impacts on adjacent facilities, such as the library.
Next steps: execute the short-term contract amendment to provide patrol presence as directed, launch an RFP for longer-term services and return to council with recommended contract options when the RFP process concludes.
