Item No.
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER
BY: SCOTT R. LOUGHNER, CHIEF OF POLICE
DATE: FEBRUARY 25, 2025
SUBJECT: APPROVAL OF A POLICE DEPARTMENT CONTRACT FOR PRIVATE
JAILER SERVICES
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The City Council will consider approving an agreement with Allied Universal for jail services. The Downey Police Department jail houses arrestees before they are transferred to the county jail, released on bail, or released on their own recognizance.
The Department contracts jail services, and the contracted jail staff are responsible for ensuring the safety and well-being of all inmates, handling booking and processing, and, when applicable, transporting inmates. They are also required to comply with all relevant federal and state laws, statutes, and regulations. With the expiration of the current agreement, a new agreement is proposed for these services for the City’s Council’s review and approval.
RECOMMENDATION
That the City Council:
Approve an agreement between the City of Downey and Allied Universal for jail services, effective March 1, 2025, through June 30, 2028, which may be extended for up to two additional one-year terms upon mutual agreement by both parties.
BACKGROUND
The Downey Police Department jail is a temporary detention facility where arrestees are held for no more than 24 hours. It serves as a holding facility for individuals awaiting court arraignment, transfer to the county jail, or release on their own recognizance. Jail staff are responsible for booking and processing all arrestees, transporting them when necessary to court or the county jail, ensuring their safety and well-being, and complying with all applicable federal and state laws, statutes, and regulations.
In March 2020, the Downey Police Department entered into an agreement with G4S Secure Solutions to provide all necessary labor and supervision for the safe and efficient operation of the jail.
CONTRACT FOR PRIVATE JAILER SERVICES FOR THE POLICE DEPARTMENT FEBRUARY 25, 2025
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In November 2021, G4S Secure Solutions was acquired by Allied Universal. Since the acquisition, Allied Universal has maintained the same high standard of jail operation services previously provided by G4S.
The current agreement is set to expire on February 28, 2025.
ANALYSIS
To procure a new contract, a Request for Proposals (RFP) for jail services was issued on November 5, 2024, through Planet Bids. After a three-week submission period, two proposals were received: one from the City’s current jail service provider, Allied Universal, and another from Elite Jail Services. Police Department management staff subsequently evaluated both proposals, which included interviews with representatives from both companies.
Allied Universal submitted the lowest and most cost-effective bid at $337,521, which matches the price of the expiring contract. Additionally, as a qualified firm with extensive experience, Allied Universal has demonstrated its ability to continue providing reliable jail services to the City. They have consistently delivered exceptional service and worked seamlessly with Police Department staff.
Several nearby agencies currently contract with Allied Universal for jail operations, including the Cities of Alhambra, Azusa, Montebello, Beverly Hills, Westminster, and Irvine.
In contrast, Elite Jail Services has no prior municipal contracts and provided a significantly higher bid of $447,304.
Based on this evaluation, it is recommended that the City enter into a contractual agreement with Allied Universal, effective March 1, 2025, through June 30, 2028, for Police Department jail services. The agreement may be extended for up to two additional one-year terms upon mutual agreement by both parties.
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES
Fiscal Responsibility
Efficiency & Adaptability
Quality of Life, Safety & Infrastructure
CONTRACT FOR PRIVATE JAILER SERVICES FOR THE POLICE DEPARTMENT FEBRUARY 25, 2025
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FISCAL IMPACT
Approval of the recommended actions will result in an expenditure of $337,521 from the General Fund, Police Department Account No. 10-4-2112-0700. The amount was included as part of the adopted FY 2024-2025 Operating Budget. As a result, there is sufficient funding available for the recommended action.
ATTACHMENT
Attachment A: Allied Universal Security Professional Service Agreement