Preston council repeals separate licensing requirement for private investigators and security guards

The Preston City Council voted unanimously Oct. 14 to adopt Ordinance 2024-8, repealing Preston Municipal Code 5.36 and removing a separate city licensing requirement for private investigators and security guards.

Community Development Specialist Shawn Oliverson told the council that PMC 5.36 required private investigators to obtain an additional license beyond a standard business license and that the police department did not have the credentials or budget to perform the background checks the chapter required. Attorney Lyle Fuller advised council to either substantially pare back the code or delete chapter 5.36 entirely so private investigators would only need a regular business license.

Sergeant Cuyler Stoker told the council the city ordinance duplicated protections and requirements already covered by state statute, the criminal code and other city codes. Councilmember Chris Larsen introduced the ordinance and moved to dispense with the three-reading rule and have the ordinance read once in summary. City Clerk Linda Acock read the ordinance summary. The council then approved the repeal; the roll call recorded Councilmembers Todd Thomas, Terry Larson, Brent Dodge and Chris Larsen voting Aye.

The repeal eliminates the separate city licensing procedure in PMC 5.36; private investigators and security guard operators will continue to require the standard business license applicable to other businesses in Preston. The ordinance takes effect according to the city’s ordinance-adoption procedures.