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Texarkana adopts police-presence rules for events, requires TAPD officers at large gatherings
Summary
The Texarkana Board of Directors adopted an ordinance requiring one security officer per 500 attendees at city events and a minimum number of TAPD officers for crowds above 2,500; the measure passed 6–1 after questions about costs, rank assignments and private-security vetting.
The Texarkana Board of Directors voted to adopt an ordinance setting police-presence requirements and fees for events at municipal facilities, establishing a baseline of one security officer per 500 attendees and requiring a minimum number of TAPD officers for very large crowds.
A staff presenter told the board the rule is "one officer per every 500 persons," and said that "if the crowd size is over 2,500 persons, you have to have ... a minimum of two TAPD officers at the event." The presenter said the remainder of the staffing requirement may be met with private security but that a specified number must be provided by TAPD as crowd size grows (for example, four TAPD officers for a 5,000-person event, with six additional private-security personnel to meet the one-per-500 ratio).
Why it matters: The ordinance moves event staffing requirements from a prior resolution into the city's code of ordinances and clarifies when municipal police must staff events rather than allowing private-security substitutions without TAPD presence. City officials said the change aims to ensure police coverage at large events while allowing private-security use to supplement staffing.
Board members pressed staff on several operational details. Council members asked who decides whether an officer, sergeant or lieutenant is assigned; the presenter and the police chief said assignment is driven by TAPD availability and the nature of the event. The police chief said, "I'm assuming that's up to TAPD," and explained off-duty personnel typically sign up for event overtime staffing, with sergeants or lieutenants filling in when necessary.
Directors also raised liability and vetting concerns for private-security firms. Staff confirmed private security must be vetted by the police department and that the ordinance's application form specifies certification and vetting requirements. The chief confirmed TAPD would collect fees for city-provided officers. "TAPD will collect," the chief said when asked who receives payments.
Board action: The ordinance was read in three readings and the board adopted it in the final vote. The roll call on final adoption recorded six yes votes and one no (Director Harris voted no); the measure passed and is now part of the city code.
What remains: Staff and TAPD will administer the application and vetting process, set fees based on rank and availability, and provide guidance to event organizers on the mix of TAPD officers and private security required under the new rule.
