Council grants certificate for Hastings Patrol Services over one dissenting vote

City staff presented a public hearing and staff report on Hastings Patrol Services, a private security firm seeking a city business license and authorization to operate as a private patrol operator in Merced. Staff said the company is based in Alameda, holds a Private Patrol Operator license from the California Bureau of Security and Investigative Services valid through May 31, and had one prior disciplinary citation (September 2022) for training‑record issues that was resolved with an administrative fine.

Sergeant Bridal reviewed the background check and told the council there were no outstanding compliance issues and that inspections raised no present concerns about city resource impacts. The public hearing was opened and, with no speakers requesting to comment on the item, the hearing was closed.

Council discussion focused on the policy question of private security in the city. Council Member Jean said he is "not fond of private security" and prefers public officers for accountability; the comment was noted but not restraining the motion. The council adopted Resolution 2026‑13 granting the certificate; the motion passed with Council Member Zhang voting no.

The resolution authorizes Hastings Patrol Services to operate in the city under the existing regulatory framework for private patrol operators. Staff noted the firm holds contracts elsewhere and has two pending contracts to provide services within Merced County.

Next steps: city staff will finalize licensing paperwork, monitor any pending contracts in Merced, and ensure the company remains in compliance with state and city requirements.