Rich and famous residents of Los Angeles’ fire-stricken Pacific Palisades community are frequent users of private security – but Los Angeles’ infamous red tape is keeping some of their guards away from their clientele, according to private security experts.

At least 20 people have been arrested on looting-related charges, and authorities, while warning residents and copycats alike, said the numbers could rise.

Craig Paul, the CEO of ASC Private Security in Los Angeles, said he’s got bodies on the ground willing to work, but he can’t get authorization to send them inside restricted areas where his clients need them.

“I sat on hold for 45 minutes with the LAPD, with nobody ever picking up,” he told Fox News Digital. “So I finally gave up on that, pretty much knowing that even if they answer the phone, they’re going to blow me off.”

“I’ve been up all night trying to work logistics on getting people there and getting people housed and getting appropriate vehicles and supplies,” he said. “It’s going to be tough couple of days for my industry and for government, law enforcement, fire department and obviously, most first and foremost, the families and individuals and companies that are affected.”

Two people ride bicycles amid the destruction left behind by the Palisades Fire in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles, Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025. (Jae C. Hong/AP)

On the other hand, the cancelation of Hollywood award shows was already lifting some of the burden, allowing him to move boots on the ground away from previously booked red carpet events and to helping clients in their own communities.

“Instead of standing on a red carpet protecting people, they’ll be out there protecting people in their communities,” he said. “The more stuff that Hollywood cancels the better it is for everybody, from a security standpoint.”