Commission approves Agent Protection private-patrol permit with uniform-labeling condition

The Santa Barbara Fire and Police Commission voted to approve Agent Protection's registration as a private patrol operator with a condition to change one uniform style so it does not resemble police insignia. Ms. Martinez summarized the application and said the company owner, "Mister Iran Gonzalez. He's the owner of Agent Protection." The clerk recorded a motion moved by Commissioner Harlinger and seconded by Commissioner Dozer; the motion carried on roll call.

Commissioners and staff said the change is intended to make private security easily distinguishable from sworn officers. One commissioner told the group, "that's a really good idea because it looks like a sheriff's badge," and staff said they would confirm how many private security operators currently work in the city and follow up on that detail. The commission's approval includes the explicit condition that the uniform shirt style add the word "security" immediately below the gold seven-point badge on the chest, per the staff recommendation.