Item 11AMEMORANDUM
June 14, 2006
To: Shana Yelverton
City Manager
From: Rick Smith
Public Safety Director
Subject: Department of Public Safety - Participation in Public Events
Action
Requested: Discuss the Department of Public Safety's policy on participation
in public events.
Background
Information: The Department recognizes that it is in our best interested to fully
participate, whenever possible and within legal parameters, in
public events when requested. The Department also recognizes the
liability associated by participating in these events and the
necessity to quickly respond to emergency situations. Therefore,
the Department is requesting Council's comments on the attached
policy.
Financial
Considerations: None
Citizen Input/
Board Review: None
Alternatives: The City Council may direct changes.
Supporting
Documents: Policy on Participation in Public Events/Exhibits
Staff
Recommendation: Discuss and change as necessary the policy as proposed.
Staff
Contact: Rick Smith, Public Safety Director
Robert Finn, Chief of Fire Services
Wade Goolsby, Chief of Police Services
Participation in Public Events / Exhibits:
Purpose:
The Southlake Department of Public Safety recognizes that it is in the best interest of the
agency to fully participate in public events when requested. The Department also
recognizes the liability associated with the participation in these events. This policy is
designed to assist in formulating a decision for participation in these events.
Escorts:
Sworn Police Officers are the only personnel authorized to take part in a motor escort.
"Community Event" escorts are provided when the popular demand from the community
reflects the need for an escort. The legal authority for escorts is limited to specific
applications. Due to these limitations and the inherent dangers of escorts, a police escort
for community events will not proceed through intersections. In the event of a red light,
the procession will stop for the red light and will only proceed when the light changes to
green. Participants in the procession need to understand that they are to obey all traffic
laws and must stop at intersections if a traffic control light changes to red after the front
of the procession has passed.
Parades:
The Department will fully participate in City sponsored parades. The Department will
not participate in neighborhood parades, but will set up apparatus or equipment as part of
a neighborhood association gathering. This will ensure our personnel and equipment are
able to quickly respond to requests for service.
Exhibits:
The Department will participate in exhibits where it is able to promote a positive image
to residents or businesses in the community. In the event of a holiday event "Santa" can
arrive on the fire apparatus and then the apparatus be used as an education exhibit for the
neighborhood. We will not set up apparatus and equipment for individual birthday
parties.