Challenges in Los Angeles: Private Security Hindered by City Regulations During Wildfires, Businesses Report

Private security experts have revealed that well-known residents of the fire-affected Pacific Palisades area in Los Angeles heavily rely on private security services. However, these residents are facing obstacles as bureaucratic hurdles in Los Angeles are preventing some guards from accessing their clients.

The situation has become more pressing as at least 20 individuals have already been arrested for looting-related offenses. Authorities are alerting both residents and potential offenders about the rising number of arrests.

Craig Paul, the CEO of ASC Private Security based in Los Angeles, expressed frustration over the red tape hindering their operations. Despite having willing personnel ready for deployment, he is unable to secure the necessary authorization to deploy them to the specific locations where their clients require protection.

“I sat on hold for 45 minutes with the LAPD, with nobody ever picking up,” he told Fox News Digital. “So I finally gave up on that, pretty much knowing that even if they answer the phone, they’re going to blow me off.”

“I’ve been up all night trying to work logistics on getting people there and getting people housed and getting appropriate vehicles and supplies,” he said. “It’s going to be tough couple of days for my industry and for government, law enforcement, fire department and obviously, most first and foremost, the families and individuals and companies that are affected.”

Two people ride bicycles amid the destruction left behind by the Palisades Fire in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles, Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025. (Jae C. Hong/AP)

On the other hand, the cancelation of Hollywood award shows was already lifting some of the burden, allowing him to move boots on the ground away from previously booked red carpet events and to helping clients in their own communities.

“Instead of standing on a red carpet protecting people, they’ll be out there protecting people in their communities,” he said. “The more stuff that Hollywood cancels the better it is for everybody, from a security standpoint.”