Police Staffing Matrix
Important Note: The staffing criteria listed under High, Medium, and Low Risks are minimum requirements. Exceptions may require consultation with the University's public safety staff.
Download PDF version of Police Staffing Matrix
Universal Risk Factors
- Requests for personal security for speakers, performers, or guests
- Door security requirements (patron searches)
- History of problems at similar events
- Anticipated protests, demonstrations, or disruptions
- Large ticket sales at box office
- Traffic control needs
- Advance notice of problems
- Outside agency costs/regional impact
- Outdoor venue
- Multiple same-day events
- Event scheduling timeline
- Other risk factors (as determined by Campus Police Department)
- Alcohol service
- Amplified sound
- Non-APSU affiliation
- Bomb sweep requests
- Regional advertising
- DJ/Live Band (Must call police for assistance)
Risk Categories and Requirements
High Risk Events
Requires On-site Police
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Dances (1,000+ attendees)
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Speakers (2,000+ attendees)
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Sporting Events (2,000+ attendees)
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Musical/Staged performances (2,000+ attendees)
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Ceremonies (4,000+ attendees)
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Fairs/Festivals (2,000+ attendees)
Medium Risk Events
Requires On-site Public Safety Staff with Direct Police Contact
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Dances (201-999 attendees)
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Speakers (1,500-1,999 attendees)
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Sporting Events (500-1,999 attendees)
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Ceremonies (1,000-3,399 attendees)
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Fairs/Festivals (up to 1,999 attendees)
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Competition Events (Pageants, Step shows, etc.) (600+ attendees)
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Bon fire
Note: While typically staffed by police officers, security guards or capable student patrol members may be substituted if risk factors are low.
Low Risk Events
Requires On-duty and/or Augmenting Student Patrol Members On-site
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Dances (Up to 200 attendees)
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Speakers (up to 500 attendees)
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Sports Events (up to 499 attendees)
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Classical/Pops/Staged Performances (up to 600 attendees)
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Ceremonies (up to 999 attendees)
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Conferences (up to 2,999 attendees)
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Small Concerts (up to 600 attendees)
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Receptions (up to 1,000 attendees)
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Awards programs (up to 1,000 attendees)
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Pageants (up to 600 attendees)
Special Security Notice: Concerts, step shows, and similar events require additional security measures, including but not limited to bag checks and metal detector screening of attendees. This requirement extends to groups renting APSU facilities.
Factors That May Decrease Staffing Requirements
Must call public safety for exception
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Poor historical ticket sales
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Competing events affecting attendance
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Early staff release (at police supervisor's discretion)
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Audience age considerations (seniors and supervised children)
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APSU-affiliated audience
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Local campus advertising only
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Event provides own staff/chaperones/school resource officers
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Daytime events
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Availability of other officers