Martinez council extends downtown private security contract after heated public debate

The Martinez City Council voted 4–0 on Jan. 21 to extend the city’s contract with Los Angeles District Patrol for the downtown security program through June 30, 2026, amid sharply divergent public comment and questions from council members about training, body cameras and whether the guard should be armed.

Supporters, including Downtown Martinez and Company, merchant representatives and several business owners, told the council the extra visible presence has reduced disruptive behavior and helped merchants and the unhoused get basic assistance. “A consistent visible presence makes a real difference,” said Sarah Baird of Downtown Martinez and Company, who urged the council to continue the program.

Opponents told a different story. One resident said Martinez’s downtown has not had crime levels that justify an armed presence and called the arrangement an overreach. “We have no meaningful crime in our downtown area,” said a public commenter who reviewed local crime statistics and urged alternative approaches. Others said the guard’s appearance initially resembled law-enforcement gear and can intimidate some visitors.

Police Chief White told the council the contract’s security officer meets state BSIS training standards and that the curriculum includes de-escalation and use-of-force limits; he said the city has received positive incident reports in which the security officer assisted people in medical distress, arranged rides to shelter and supported community needs. “They possess all the necessary requirements to carry a firearm,” the chief said, adding the city and the company have discussed equipment and attire adjustments and that body cameras are part of the program.

Council members asked about operational details, oversight and costs. The extension is flexible, the chief and city manager said, and may be terminated if it fails to meet needs; the council also asked staff to consider weekend scheduling and other adjustments requested by downtown stakeholders. The motion to extend the contract was made and seconded by council members and carried with Mayor Brianne Zorn, Vice Mayor Satyendra Mollie, Council members Jay Howard and Greg Young voting in favor and one member absent.

The council’s action keeps the pilot program in place while staff and the department consider modifications to attire, camera usage and hours; supporters said the program complements police work, while critics called for more community-based alternatives and clearer identification of security staff. The council directed staff to continue reviewing feedback and to provide updates if substantive changes are proposed.