Security Plans for Parades & Protests - Long Beach

Events and Special Uses California 3 Minutes Read ยท published February 08, 2026 Flag of California

Long Beach, California requires organizers of parades, protests and large public assemblies to follow city permit, safety and traffic-control rules. This guide explains who enforces event security requirements, how to prepare a security plan, where to find permit applications, and the practical steps for coordinating with City departments and the Long Beach Police Department.

Contact the police and parks permit offices early for multi-agency requirements.

Who is responsible

The Long Beach Police Department is the primary public-safety contact for parade and protest security and traffic control, while Parks, Recreation and Marine issues park and public-space permits for events on city property.[1][2]

Preparing a Security Plan

A security plan should describe crowd-control measures, staffing (security and marshals), medical support, communication protocols with 911 and on-site radios, traffic impacts and staging/load zones. Coordinate route maps and timelines with the City so closures and traffic control devices are approved in advance.

  • Designate a single event organizer and main contact for City liaisons.
  • Submit route maps, proposed times, and setup/tear-down schedules.
  • Describe crowd-control barriers, stewarding numbers, and liaison officers.
  • Include estimated costs for hired security, traffic control, cleanup and city fees.
Many multi-block events require coordination across multiple city divisions.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement is typically by the Long Beach Police Department and relevant permitting divisions in the City. Specific fines, escalation amounts, and civil penalties for permit violations are not specified on the cited permit pages; organizers should consult the Municipal Code and permit conditions for numeric penalties.[1]

  • Common violations: failure to obtain a permit, unapproved route changes, inadequate security staffing.
  • Sanctions may include orders to stop the event, citation, cleanup orders, and denial of future permits; exact penalties are not specified on the cited pages.[1]
  • Appeals or reviews: not specified on the cited pages; check permit denial or citation notices for appeal timelines.
If officials order a stop for safety, comply immediately and follow up with appeals per the permit terms.

Applications & Forms

The City of Long Beach publishes Special Event and park-use permit applications and guidance on official permit pages. For events on city streets, follow the police or special event permit instructions and submit required forms per the City portals linked below.[1]

  • Special event permit application and checklist: see the City Parks permit page for forms and instructions.[1]
  • Police event coordination and public-safety contact: see the Long Beach Police event/permit page.[2]

Action Steps for Organizers

  • Start permit applications at least 60 to 90 days before the event where possible to allow interdepartmental review.
  • Prepare a written security plan with roles, contact list, and emergency procedures.
  • Coordinate traffic-control device orders and street closure approvals with City Traffic Engineering according to permit instructions.
Early coordination reduces the risk of enforcement actions and last-minute denials.

FAQ

Do I need a permit for a protest or parade?
Yes. Organizers must follow City permit rules for parades, demonstrations and special events; the City provides permit instructions online.[1]
Who enforces safety and traffic controls during an event?
The Long Beach Police Department enforces public-safety and traffic controls; Parks enforces park-use conditions for events on city property.[2]
What if my permit is denied?
Permit denial procedures and appeal timelines are determined by the permit terms and notices; specific appeal time limits are not specified on the cited pages.

How-To

  1. Review the City of Long Beach Special Event permit page to identify required forms and submission steps.[1]
  2. Draft a security plan that lists staffing, medical support, communication, and traffic control measures.
  3. Submit the permit application and security plan to the Parks permit office or police permit contact as indicated on the City pages.[2]
  4. Coordinate any required traffic-control devices and pay applicable fees per the permit instructions.

Key Takeaways

  • Coordinate early with Long Beach Police and Parks to avoid delays and enforcement risk.
  • Prepare a clear security plan with roles and communication protocols.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Long Beach Special Event Permits
  2. [2] Long Beach Police Department

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