BEL-AIR PATROL

'Bel-Air Patrol' is a Los Angeles-based private security company and is a division of ADT Security Services. Bel-Air Patrol is staffed by trained, armed patrol officers who respond to burglar alarm activations and phone calls from clients requesting response to suspicious or criminal activity on their properties. Officers are considered "civilians" (not sworn law enforcement officers), but are trained in security techniques and must pass background checks and drug tests. Officers must also possess "guard cards" (a state certification for security guards), exposed firearm, and pepper spray permits.
Bel-Air Patrol (and similar companies) pride themselves in handling important, but less critical, security matters in place of regular police; thus freeing sworn law enforcement resources (already stretched thin in many areas) for more immediate community concerns.