Special Events Coverage
Police Services Requirements for Police Details and Special Events on Campus
Southern University at New Orleans Police Department provides police services for special events on the SUNO campus. These events are approved by the University and are not considered part of the daily operation of the University. When these events come to the attention of the Police Department for police detail coverage, it is because there has been a request from the sponsoring organization for police detail services or SUNO Police Department has made a determination that the event warrants a special police detail assignment(s) due to public safety concerns.
From time to time, we have been asked by campus organizations about the criteria we utilize to make decisions about the type and amount of police detail coverage. In order to ensure that all campus entities that conduct special events are aware of the criteria and the current cost of Campus Police details, we are providing you with this information. We ask that any staff in your organization responsible for organizing special events are familiar with its contents. Rates on this website contain hourly rates for the hiring of police officers.
Police Services & Special Event Staffing
Inquiries regarding the need for police at an event should be made to the Police Department.
Police Officer Detail - This type of coverage involves the assignment of a sworn police officer to provide both law enforcement and security services. This is the most common type of special event detail on campus. Police detail rate is $40.00 per hour, per officer assigned for a minimum of 4 hrs.
Important Note:
- A minimum fee equal to four hours will be assessed if the detail is canceled less than 24 hours prior to its scheduled start.
- You may be billed for a cruiser if it is determined to be necessary by the Chief of Police for the safety of the assigned Officer or the public.
- The SUNO Police Department cannot guarantee the availability of our officer(s); therefore, we may need to request the assistance of surrounding Law Enforcement Agencies with whom we hold a Mutual Aid Agreement. Please be aware that this Department invoices for our Officer's hours only, and we cannot guarantee or control the detail rates of outside agencies.
Criteria Utilized to Determine Police Services Staffing for SpecialEvents
While there are a variety of considerations utilized to determine the level of Police Services staffing for each event, the following list is comprised of the “normal” criteria considered by the Police supervisory staff on a case by case basis for the majority of special events on campus. If in the professional judgment of the Chief of Police or his designee, an event warrants more than the “usual” security coverage, event organizers will be advised as soon as a thorough assessment of the event can be made. This includes security assessments for physical security (barricades, metal detectors, etc.) or police. Each event will be evaluated and the minimum amount of police services personnel will be assigned to accomplish the security/law enforcement goal for the event. While SUNO Police Department works closely in event planning with all campus organizations to provide a reasonably safe environment for special events, the final decision on all event security measures and police services staffing levels is the responsibility of the Chief of Police.
Prior History - If an event is conducted with any level of repetition (annual, each semester, monthly, etc.) SUNO Police Department will examine past event history to ascertain if the event usually ran smoothly or had been prone to security problems. Problem events may warrant a higher level of security coverage.
Estimated Crowd Size – Each event will be assessed on the basis of past history for the estimated crowd size vs. actual crowd size. If repeat events are prone to low crowd estimates but history has shown a larger than estimated crowd actually attends the event, then security coverage will be estimated upward.
Impact on University and/or Surrounding Community – In order to control any adverse impact (crowd management issues, traffic considerations, etc.) as the result of a certain type of event, staffing and physical security measures may be increased.
Location of Event – Events which require controlled access and which have many potential entry points to the event venue normally require a higher level of staffing and physical security measures.
Advertising – Events which are advertised in the media beyond the SUNO community may require a higher degree of security consideration (staffing, physical security, etc.).
Higher Profile or VIP Speakers or Subject Matter - Celebrities, controversial speakers, and some politicians may require “dignitary protection” measures which normally go beyond normal event security measures. Similarly, events which have controversial or highly charged subject matter may warrant special security consideration.
Money Exchange - Events which involve the selling of tickets or merchandise normally requires a police detail.
Notice Period for the Request of Services
SUNO Police Department requires a 21-day notice period to police officers in order to process and assign details per contractual requirements. Any requests for police services which are under the 14-day contractual requirement may be denied by the SUNO Police Department, thus prohibiting the event from taking place if the event requires police details.
The SUNO Police Department is committed to working in the planning stages with all event sponsors to ensure that authorized events take place on campus safely and with the minimum necessary expense whenever possible. Should you have any questions concerning the procedures, please feel free to contact Sergeant Pauline Joseph (504) 286-5288.
Cancellation Policy
Cancellations must be made 24 hours prior to the scheduled event. If not, the event requestor will be responsible for payment of a minimum of four (4) hours for each officer scheduled for the event.
For questions or additional information, the Special Events Coordinator at (504) 286-5288.