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APPROVE MOTION TO EXECUTE A THREE (3) YEAR STANDARD AGREEMENT, WITH TWO (2) ADDITIONAL ONE-YEAR OPTIONS TO EXTEND, WITH SHIELD PROTECTION GROUP, INC. DBA SHIELD PRIVATE SECURITY FOR PRISONER TRANSPORT, EXTRADITION, AND HOSPITAL WATCH SERVICES IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $781,680 (PUR 25-026)
recommended action
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council approve a motion to:
1. Authorize the City Manager to execute a three (3) year Standard Agreement, with two (2) one-year options to extend, between the City of Stockton (City) and Shield Protection Group, Inc. dba Shield Private Security (Shield) for prisoner transport, extradition, and hospital watch services in an amount not to exceed $781,680; and
2. Approve findings which support and justify an exception to the competitive bidding process pursuant to Stockton Municipal code section 3.68.070(A)(3) where the City held a competitive Request for Proposals.
It is further recommended that the City Manager is hereby authorized and directed to make any and all expenditures and appropriations on behalf of the City as appropriate and necessary to carry out the purpose and intent of this motion.
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Summary
Prisoner transportation and extradition is the formal process by which an alleged criminal is located in one jurisdiction and surrendered to another governmental authority for prosecution. It is a common industry practice to use a third-party service for prisoner transportation and extradition. In addition, the Stockton Police Department (SPD) places officers around the clock in the hospital for the first 24 to 48 hours when an offender is in need of hospitalization during custody. With these cases, a third party service can take over the hospital watch until the prisoner is ready for transfer, for staffing and cost efficiencies.
In recent years, the SPD has used Patriot Private Security (Patriot) on an as-needed emergency basis. With the continued necessity for prisoner transportation, extradition, and hospital watch services, a Request for Proposal (RFP), PUR 25-026, was issued on May 1, 2025. Proposals were due on May 22, 2025, and two (2) were received. The two (2) Proponents met the requirements outlined in the solicitation; however, only one (1) met the SPD’s needs for prisoner transportation, extradition services, and hospital watch.
Staff is seeking Council approval of a motion to authorize the City Manager to execute a three-year standard agreement, with two (2) one-year options to extend, with Shield for a total not to exceed amount of $781,680.
DISCUSSION
Background
Prisoner transport and extradition services are regulated by operating standards as set forth in the Interstate Transportation of Dangerous Criminals Act of 2000, (42 U.S.C. 13726b, as amended). Staff reviewed the operating standard requirements and considered the mandated times for court appearances in developing contract specifications. Based on extradition activity in recent years, it is anticipated that a contractor will continue to be needed to execute transports and hospital watch.
The SPD Records Division receives notifications of persons with warrants in need of extradition and advises the on-duty Watch Commander. If specific criteria are met, Watch Commanders authorize Records staff to contact the extradition service provider with in-state requests. The Watch Commander will contact the Investigations Lieutenant when advised of an out-of-state extradition on a Ramey Warrant, which is an arrest warrant signed and issued by a judge directing law enforcement to arrest a specific subject when there is probable cause, but prior to the filing of criminal charges. The Investigations Lieutenant and Division Commander make the final decision on whether to extradite those arrestees. The San Joaquin County District Attorney’s Office handles arrangements for all other out-of-state warrants.
The SPD is not required to initiate a minimum number of prisoner transports under the proposed agreement. Once a service request is initiated by the SPD, the contractor will provide a written price quote based on the pick-up location within twenty-four (24) hours, or by 5:00 p.m. Pacific Standard Time the following business day; whichever comes first. The SPD will confirm the service agreement with the Contractor before the services commence. The Contractor will transport the prisoner to the San Joaquin County Jail within 72 hours of pick-up unless an exception is made by the SPD due to special circumstances.
Under the proposed agreement, the contractor is required to provide a copy of their certificate issued by the Interstate Commerce Commission, which gives them the authority to operate as a common carrier. Personnel pre-employment screening measures and documented training curriculum are also requirements under the agreement. Minimum standards with respect to the number of employees required to monitor prisoners and maximum driving time provisions must be adhered to. In the event of any unusual incident, emergency, or controversial situation, the Contractor will immediately notify the SPD. “Unusual incident, emergency or controversial situation” includes but is not limited to, any act of violence or attempted act of violence by a prisoner or any other breach of security, an unusual delay in the transportation of a prisoner, any medical emergency treatment, and any refusal of law enforcement agencies to release a prisoner to the contractor as authorized and directed by the SPD.
Present Situation
There is ongoing need to continue prisoner transport, extradition, and hospital watch services with a third party service, as staffing and costing are inefficient to service by SPD. The proposed Standard Agreement with Shield includes a proposed term of three (3) years, with two (2) one-year options to extend for a total not to exceed term of five (5) years.
Shield was formed in 2020 by a Manteca native. The officers have completed Peace Officer Standard Training PC832 and are all certified through the Bureau of Security and Investigative Service for California’s mandated Guard Permit and Exposed Firearm Permit. The officers have also been trained in FEMA courses pertaining to Improvised Explosive Firearm Devices, active threat (shooter), CPR and training for prisoner transportation and supervision to satisfy the required 100-hour training pursuant to PC 831.6. Shield retains retired state correctional staff to coordinate and supervise services that shall ensure the security and control of incarcerated persons in accordance with all state and federal requirements. The supervisory staff have a combined experience of over 70 years in security, investigations, fugitive recovery, military, and correctional job history.
An RFP, PUR 25-026, was issued on May 1, 2025, to invite third-party services for the transportation, extradition, and hospital watch of prisoners to participate in the process. On April 22, 2025, the City received two proposals from the following:
• Patriot Private Security
• Shield Protection Group, Inc.
The proponents were invited to participate in an interview with the RFP Review Committee on June 4, 2025. Following the interviews, the City began contract negotiations with Shield, because the committee determined that this vendor best met the City’s needs and budget while preserving the requirements outlined in the RFP. Members of the Selection Committee recommend City Council approve a contract with Shield, whose proposal best meets the City’s requirements.
FINDINGS
Pursuant to SMC section 3.68.070(A)(3), Council may approve findings that support an exception to the competitive bidding process. These findings include:
• Use of RFP is appropriate for this Standard Agreement because it relies on the evaluation of professional qualifications, experience, and performance as the basis for the selection.
FINANCIAL SUMMARY
Funding for the Standard Agreement with Shield is available in the Police Department Patrol State Cops Fund 260 Special Services account in FY 2025-26, in a total not to exceed amount of $781,680.
Attachment A - Shield Private Security Standard Agreement