University Police at Recognized Student Organization Events
- Role of University Police
- Responsibility of Officers
- Events Which Require UNL Police
- Number of Officers Required
- Event Security Alternatives
The purpose of University Police officers at events is for the safety and security of participants, the enforcement of laws and University policies and the protection of University property. University Police are present to assist the Recognized Student Organization (RSO) in having a safe and successful event for everyone. The officer(s) is/are there to support RSO members as they implement the event.
The University Police are responsible for keeping peace, protecting University property, enforcing laws and University policies and maintaining the safety and security of the participants. The officers, with direction from their supervisor, will use their best judgment about how to execute these functions. Input from the Recognized Student Organization (RSO) is welcome on how University Police may best support the event. Officers are available to assist in event security planning for on and off campus events. If there are special concerns, University Police must be consulted ahead of time in order to properly prepare to meet those needs. University Police have access to all areas of University property, in order to effectively execute their responsibilities. At events where more than one officer is present, a supervisor may be designated. All information should be directed to the supervisor who will then inform the other officers. Officers present at an event will execute their responsibilities as directed by the supervising officer. A clear understanding of the expectations of the officers and the RSO must take place prior to the actual event. It is the responsibility of the RSO and University Police to be clear on what are reasonable and unreasonable requests and expectations. The officer(s) is/are present to provide support to the RSO. The RSO should not expect the officer to be a door guard or hall monitor.
Events Which Require University Police
At the end of each month an assessment is made against the accounts of all Recognized Student Organizations (RSO) that are active. This assessment is made by authority of the University and is used by Student Organization Financial Services (SOFS) to help fund its services. The charge for the event will be in accordance with the University Cost Center. The assessment will be noted on the RSO's monthly statement.
The decision to have University Police present at an event will be made by the University Police Department after consultation with Student Involvement Student Organizations staff and the sponsoring Recognized Student Organization (RSO). Factors which will affect the number of officers for an event include:
- number of University staff who will be present
- plan of action in the event of a problem situation
- prediction of crowd size, composition and expected behavior
- overall planning for the event
- type of event being held
- location of event, history of event and nature of event (public or a student only event)
A Recognized Student Organization (RSO) may reduce the number of officers needed through proper event planning. In addition to the above, the number of RSO members which will be helping with the event and their prior training may help to reduce the number of officers. RSOs should consult the University Police Department for projected costs and security options when initially planning an event. The final determination for the number of officers required for the event will be made by University Police after fully discussing the options with all involved.
- University Police, 300 North 17th Street, 402-472-2222
