UTPD Special Events provides public safety support for events of all sizes across The University of Texas at Austin campus, from small gatherings to large, high-visibility events. Our goal is to help create a safe environment for students, staff, faculty, and visitors while supporting the university's academic, athletic, and cultural activities. Through careful planning, coordination, and on-site support, we work to identify potential concerns early and tailor safety plans to fit the unique needs of each event and campus location.
Responsibilities and Functions
UTPD Special Events is responsible for planning, coordinating, and supporting public safety operations for events across campus. Core functions include:
- Planning and staffing security operations for events held on- and off-campus, including athletic events, commencement ceremonies, concerts, guest speakers, and special programs
- Conducting risk assessments and developing event-specific safety and security plans
- Coordinating traffic control, pedestrian safety, and crowd management strategies
- Providing uniformed and plainclothes officer presence as needed
- Supporting dignitary protection and high-profile visitor operations
- Ensuring compliance with university policies, city ordinances, and safety regulations
- Serving as a liaison between UTPD, event organizers, and partner agencies before, during, and after events
Partnerships
The Special Events Unit works closely with a wide range of internal and external partners to ensure coordinated planning, communication, and response during campus events.
- UT Athletics and campus event organizers
- Office of the President, University Events, and various UT departments
- Facilities Services, Parking & Transportation Services, and Environmental Health & Safety
- Austin Police Department, Austin Fire Department, Austin-Travis County Emergency Medical Services, and regional law enforcement partners
- Contracted event staff and private security partners, when applicable
This collaborative approach supports a unified safety presence and helps ensure events run safely and efficiently.
Community Engagement
The Special Events Unit plays an active role in engaging with the UT community by maintaining a visible, approachable, and professional presence at campus events.
- Supporting events that promote campus engagement, cultural expression, and academic achievement
- Maintaining a welcoming and professional presence for students, families, alumni, and visitors
- Assisting attendees with safety questions, directions, and general event-related needs
- Working with event organizers to balance security requirements with a positive guest experience
Personnel and Structure
UTPD Special Events is staffed by experienced UTPD personnel who support both routine and large-scale campus events. Officers assigned to this function are responsible for managing event safety operations, responding to incidents, and coordinating with partner agencies to ensure events run smoothly while minimizing disruptions to campus operations.