Unarmed Security Guard Services

Scope of Services: The City of Lake Forest (“City”) is seeking proposals from qualified firms or individuals (“Contractor”) to provide flexible, unarmed security services to support the City’s Code Enforcement Division. The scope of services includes ensuring the safety of enforcement teams, contractors, and the public while maintaining order and deterring unauthorized and/or unpermitted activities. Security personnel will adapt to varying enforcement needs, locations, and schedules to address the City's operational priorities promptly and effectively.

Term of Contract: To provide the requested services, the City anticipates awarding a contract with an initial term of one (1) year. The City reserves the right to extend the contract up to two (2) additional 1-year extensions upon the same terms and conditions as the parties first agreed upon, so long as the Vendor is in good standing at the end of the initial term and any renewal term thereafter.

Code Enforcement plays a vital role in a city’s mission to enhance, protect, and sustain the qualities that its residents and businesses value most. The City of Lake Forest’s Code Enforcement Division is responsible for maintaining and improving the community’s character, visual appeal, and property values by addressing violations of the Lake Forest Municipal Code (LFMC). The division works to enhance both residential and commercial areas by enforcing regulations related to public nuisances, property maintenance, zoning, construction, health, safety, and signage.

The Safe Sidewalk Vending Act (Senate Bill 946), enacted in 2018, is a California law that decriminalized street vending, permitting it under specific conditions. The City has implemented regulations addressing objective health, safety, and welfare concerns, as allowed under the Act. For all food vending operations, vendors must first obtain a permit from the Orange County Health Care Agency (OCHCA). However, hot food street vendors often fail to meet essential health and safety standards, such as maintaining proper food temperatures, providing handwashing facilities, sanitizing utensils and equipment, and disposing of waste liquids.

When violations occur, the Code Enforcement team takes an educational approach to assist residents and business owners in promptly resolving issues and preventing future infractions. Despite these efforts, some violations persist. If individuals fail to acknowledge the violation or take corrective action in a timely manner, the team utilizes escalating enforcement measures. Recent unauthorized street food vending activities in the City have necessitated the confiscation of large or bulky equipment, which is subsequently transported and impounded by the City.