SERVICE

Guidelines for outdoor event security

All event organizers should consider who to keep the event and attendees safe. Events with over 500 attendees must submit a formal security plan.

Police Department

What to know

What to consider in your plan

A security plan is a detailed description of your plans to ensure the safety and security of the people. It also includes keeping the physical area in and around the event safe and secure.

Security planning requires analyzing the following aspects of the event, assessing their risks, and including precautionary measures in your security plan to address those risks:

  • Event size
  • Event type
  • Projected attendance and traffic
  • Location
  • Day and time
  • Weather
  • Serving alcohol (and the # of dispensing points)
  • Coverage of security officers
  • Planned activities (e.g., entertainment/music, vendors)
  • Temporary Built Structures (e.g., stages, bleachers, rides)

What events require a security plan

Your event needs a security plan if you expect more than 500 attendees.

If you don’t know if you need a security plan, contact the local Police District Station where the event will be located.

When and how to submit your plan

Submit your security plan to the Police Department at least 3 months before your event.

Submit your plan as a PDF, either uploaded with your permit application or emailed directly to your contact at the City.

What to do

After you submit your plan

The Police Department will review the plan.

They may require you to ensure either private security guards, Parking Control Officers, paid staff, or volunteers to cover specific areas and activities.

The Local Police District Station will determine if the event organizer will be required to cover the cost of SFPD personnel (sometimes referred to as “10B Police”) to provide enforcement at the event.

Each station has a Special Event Sergeant. They will be your point of contact for questions.

The Police Department has final authority to change, approve or deny a proposed security plan in order to ensure a safe and secure event.

Roles & responsibilities

Event organizer

The event organizer, or hosting organization, is responsivle for the safety and security of the people and physical elements in and around the event.

You must put into place safety precautions to address all aspects of the event and any potential risks associated with the event.

Safety precautions may include hiring private licensed security guards or off-duty police officers.

You may also need to use other safety and security strategies like crowd control, alcohol management, venue layout, cash management, and other considerations.

Private security

Private security guards are used at events to enforce a range of safety measures including crowd control, checking IDs, parking lot enforcement, and transporting cash, as well as enforcing the event's rules and regulations.

The event organizer is responsible for choosing and hiring a state licensed private security company.

When hiring them, make sure that the private security company can fulfill the security needs related to the event.

Note that private security guards have no police authority and may only make a citizen’s arrest.

Requirements for private security companies

  • Private Patrol Operator (PPO) License from the CA Department of Consumer Affairs. The PPO license allows the company to operate a security business and provide services to the public.
  • Make recommendations on the number and locations of security guards and non-licensed staff and volunteers at your event.
  • Every security guard employed by a security firm is required to have a “Guard Card” permit issued by the CA Department of Consumer Affairs. This Guard Card authorizes the individual to work as a security guard and provide security services to the public.

Keep written verification that the private security company you hire has all required licenses and authorization to operate in the California and San Francisco.

Also keep written verification that all designated security guards have a valid “Guard Card.”

Non-licensed staff and volunteers

As part of your security plan approval, the Police Department may grant permission to use staff or volunteers in certain locations and roles that do not require licensed security guards.

If you don’t have the staff or volunteer coverage as planned, or if it turns out to be insufficient, the Police Department maintains the right to shut down any or all components of the event or to provide additional police services that will be billed directly to the event organizer.

SF Police Department

The Police Department may assign additional police staff to cover event-related activities happening outside the event footprint or venue.

If the approved security measures are not carried out, or are no longer sufficient to address the security needs, the Police Department maintains the right to shut down any aspect of your event or to provide additional police coverage that will be billed directly to the event organizer.

SF Department of Emergency Management

The Department of Emergency Management (DEM) facilitates coordinated emergency response during complex events.

DEM will review your security plan. They may reach out for more information.

For very complex events, DEM may hold a Citywide meeting prior to the event to ensure City agencies are familiar with operational details.

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