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BSIS news |
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July 2006 marked my first anniversary as Chief of the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services. It has been an exciting but busy time for me, getting to know our various industries – Repossessors, Locksmiths, Alarm Companies, Private Investigators, Private Patrol Operators, Security Guards, Proprietary Private Security Security Officers and Training Facilities. It has also been a productive time for BSIS: I’m happy to report there have been a number of new developments here that have improved our service to both consumers and our licensees.
In January of 2006, the Bureau moved to a new office approximately two miles from the Department of Consumer Affairs’ new headquarters in Natomas. We are now located at 2420 Del Paso Road, Suite 270, Sacramento, CA 95864. While there are many advantages to our new digs, the big one has to be plentiful free parking – both for our licensees and our employees. No more driving around and around, block after block looking for an open space, or paying money to a parking meter or garage.
As of September 1, 2006, the Bureau is fortunate to have Rick Fong as our new Deputy Chief. Rick has been with the Department of Consumer Affairs since 1993, most recently as Manager of the Centralized Mediation Center, which handles consumer complaints for several agencies, including BSIS, the Bureau of Automotive Repair and the Bureau of Electronic and Appliance Repair. As such, Rick is an experienced hand at bringing together parties in conflict. Not a bad skill to have around here.
The Bureau has established an Advisory Committee comprised of the presidents of our industries’ professional associations and members of the public. The Committee had its first meeting in March and a second meeting in August. This panel’s insights into the various issues pertinent to consumers and licensees in each industry has been invaluable. The Committee will meet again in Southern California after the first of the year.
On October 7, 2005, Senate Bill 194 (Proprietary Private Security Officer Registration Requirements) was signed into law by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. This bill includes 20 new positions for the Bureau and we are currently in the process of filling them to handle the increase in the workload. The Bureau began accepting licensing applications for Proprietary Private Security Officer on Sept. 1, so we get this extra help just in time.
On the enforcement front, the Legislature has also augmented the Bureau’s budget, allowing us to hire three more Enforcement Analysts.
In August 2005, BSIS created an Information Outreach Program. This program provides one-on-one help understanding BSIS regulations and training requirements to new and existing licensees. The Bureau’s Outreach Coordinator is Rolando Taeza. Rolando travels the state providing information, answering questions and addressing issues of concern within the scope of licensed operations. Licensee response has been very positive.
Overall, the last year has been a very productive and successful one for BSIS, and I look forward to the challenges we will face in the new year. With the continued hard work of my very talented staff, I have no doubt we’ll meet those challenges.