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Special Events

Officers being recognized at Maryland Stadium

The University of Maryland Police Department is responsible for ensuring safety and security at all campus functions and events. Our department works closely with student organizers, event planners, campus departments, and venue managers to determine the number of crowd managers needed and provide strategies that reduce the need for officers on-site while keeping events safe and successful.

This may include ticketing strategies, insurance, waivers, and the need for other campus partners like Dining Services, Department of Transportation Services (DOTS), and the Fire Marshal’s office to be involved. We employ equitable practices towards all event organizers and partners for best outcomes.

If you are planning an event on campus and have any questions or concerns related to the security of your event, please contact the Special Events unit at SpecialEventsApproval@umpd.umd.edu or 301-405-5767 to discuss how we can help you have a safe, successful event. 

There are costs associated with police presence at events. These fees are the responsibility of the hosting unit or department. The Special Events unit will be happy to provide cost estimates prior to your event. 

Officers are typically assigned to be on-site before the event starts, and after most guests have left, so organizers should plan on officer presence for one hour before and after the event. There is a three-hour minimum for any event.   

Information about the event will be used to determine the number of police officers and/or crown managers needed and is not solely based on crowd size.  

This information may include:  

  • Type of event
  • Day/Time of the event
  • Location of the event
  • History of similar events
  • History of the performer/speaker at other locations
  • VIP’s in attendance
  • Ticketing/Check in procedures 

Event Staffing Factors

The State of Maryland Fire Prevention Code requires that all events have one crowd manager per 250 people (required for any event that exceeds 50 persons). For example, an event for 1,000 people requires four crowd managers. A crowd manager can be a trained university professional and does not always have to be a police officer. Some events combine professional staff members and police officers to serve as the total number of crowd managers needed. 

Event Planning

The primary option utilized by the University of Maryland Police Department (UMPD) for event security is the use of police officers. UMPD Student Police Aides, who are unarmed, may be used for certain roles at events. Other options include Contemporary Services Corporation (CSC) unarmed Security Employees. Event sponsors may discuss options with the UMPD’s Special Events unit. 

Once the safety and security option has been selected, they will be tasked with the following responsibilities:

  • Crowd Management
  • Line Management
  • Bag Checks
  • Venue Safety
  • Access Control
  • Ticket & ID Verification and Event Entry
  • Ticket Scanning
  • ID checks
  • Wrist banding (if applicable)
  • Other responsibilities as appropriate

An event may be canceled with a full refund with two business days’ notice.  Unplanned issues like inclement weather can be considered and discussed as needed.

The Event & Guest Services Office (when involved) and the police department reserve the right to cancel any event that poses a security risk to students, faculty, staff, facilities or equipment.

Policies and practices have evolved over time, and we continue to collaborate with the Student Government Association (SGA) and other relevant stakeholders to ensure safe and successful events on campus.

We support campus departments in having their own event rules and planning procedures. 

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