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Facility Security, Event Security, and Public Safety

The PEC reserves for itself, or through its designated contractors, the exclusive right to provide all attendants, ushers, badge checkers, security personnel, safety personnel, emergency medical technicians, and certified Texas peace officers to the Facility Client at the prevailing rate. No outside staffing of any personnel listed above is allowed unless approved by the PEC Director. The PEC Director in his or her discretion may also assign minimum staffing requirements for these services as they relate to your event.

Download the Security Services & Rates Sheet.


28.1 Lost, Found, and Abandoned Property

Efforts will be made to return found property to its rightful owner and locate reported lost property at ACCD. ACCD will follow policy and procedures in managing the documentation, storage, return or disposal of unclaimed personal property. Attendees or clients may check on found property reports for any ACCD facility by calling PEC Security Control at (512) 404-4111.

Abandoned Property

The PEC shall have the right to collect and have custody of articles, exhibits, fixtures, materials, displays, crates, propane tanks or other personal property left in the facility or parking lots of the ACCD if not claimed within forty-eight (48) hours following the last contract day. Such property is considered abandoned by Client, its subcontractors or exhibitors, in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 10-3 of the Code of the City of Austin, 1992, as amended, as it relates to abandonment of personal property. The ACCD is not liable for any loss of or damage to property left on the premises. Charges for the disposition of said property will be billed in accordance with the terms of the contract to the Client.


28.2 Armed Security

Armed Law Enforcement officers or private security guards employed/working at ACCD Facilities will be approved by the director or his designee. Event Security is an exclusive service of the PEC.

The Client must provide notice to the PEC of any such cash pick-ups or deposits.

The PEC reserves the right to enter any space in the facility covered by the licensed premises in the event of an emergency.


28.3 Doors

The Client or its General Service Contractor is responsible for removing all tape from the concreted and carpeted floors. The cost to remove tape or tape residue, repair any damage caused to the surface from inappropriate use of cleaning chemicals or tools will be charged directly to the Client.

The exterior doors are not to be used for move-in or move-out purposes.

Locks or chains are not permitted to be placed on any door in the facility. Doors are not allowed to be propped open and any automatic closing device, panic hardware or mullion is not allowed to be removed from the facility doors for any reason.

The PEC does not issue exterior door keys for the facility to any Client, GSC or any other outside vendor. Access to the facility may be arranged through your Event Coordinator.

The PEC reserves the right to require door operators if deemed necessary, especially during move-in and move-out when the exhibit halls are air-conditioned. Door operators may not be volunteers or show management staff. The Client will be responsible for the cost of required door operators.

Posting of notices or flyers is not permitted on any facility doors.


28.4 Emergency Procedures

Procedures for handling emergency situations in the facility have been established to limit and to control injuries and property damage. The Security Operations Center monitors all building emergency systems and is open twenty-four (24) hours a day, seven (7) days a week.

The PEC is equipped with closed circuit television cameras mounted in various locations inside and outside. The security personnel monitor these cameras from the Security Operations Center.

The Security Operations Center becomes the communications center and command post in the event of an emergency. The ACCD employs the Incident Command model for management of significant emergency incidents. An Incident Commander (IC) is designated to oversee, manage and make decisions in regards to an emergency situation. The IC directs PEC personnel and acts as liaison between police, medical, civil defense and fire services during the emergency. A Department Incident Commander (IC) is available at all times and identified based on immediate availability. An IC may initially be the highest-ranking security manager, supervisor or lead on duty. The IC is subject to change during the course of an emergency. Your Event Coordinator will keep the Client and service contractors informed in emergency situations and of decisions relating to events.

In the event of an emergency, the Client or any person on site may dial 911 directly from any phone, call the Security Operations Center by dialing 4111 from any house phone or the Client may call the Event Coordinator by radio Evacuation is required any time an audible fire alarm sounds. A general fire alarm can be heard throughout the facility (north, south, or both) using sirens, strobes and verbal announcements. In the event of a facility-wide power failure, the facility is equipped with an emergency generator designed to provide emergency lighting and power within ten seconds of the failure. The facility is equipped with illuminated exit signs at every pedestrian exit. Electronic, magnetic door holders will release all self-closing fire and smoke doors in the related trouble zone.


28.5 Event Personnel

All event personnel, including the employees of service contactors, must check in with ACCD Security upon entering the facility and wear an approved identification device while on ACCD property.

All event personnel, including show and service contactor staff, exhibitor-appointed contract staff, temporary staff, exhibitors and other workers affiliated with an event must enter and exit the facility through the entrance and exits designated by the Client and the PEC.

All event personnel are subject to inspection of cartons, packages or containers brought into or taken out of the facility.

Access to the facility for move-in/set-up, show and move-out/tear-down is allowed on the date(s) and time(s) listed on the contract under Paragraph 1, Licensed Premises.

The Client and service contractors are responsible for the conduct of their personnel and subcontractors and for any damages caused by such personnel while in the facility. Loud or profane language and disorderly conduct are not permitted at any time. The use of alcoholic beverages and illegal drugs is strictly prohibited.


28.6 Facility Access

Restricted areas of the facility labeled “Authorized Personnel Only” or “Restricted Access” are off limits to all persons except those authorized. Questions regarding access to restricted leased areas of an event will be addressed by an Event Coordinator.

Access to the facility for move-in/set-up, show and move-out/tear-down is allowed on the date(s) and time(s) listed on the contract under Paragraph 1, Licensed Premises.

Children (Under 17 years of age) are prohibited from being in the exhibit halls, docks, service corridors or the service yard during an active move in or out. If a client wishes a waiver of this Department rule it must be approved by the Director of the Department or designee. The client must contact Event Services in advance, sign and agree to the terms included in the ACCD Child Waiver/Liability Release.

Exhibit personnel are not allowed access to the service yard or dock during show hours.

Exhibit personnel must use the public entrances for access during show hours. Facility ingress and egress may not be blocked at any time.

Any facility area is accessible to assigned ACCD employees during an emergency incident which requires immediate action to prevent injuries or damage to property.


28.7 Event Costume Policy

Costumes are allowed on the property of ACCD facilities as part of a scheduled event or in support of the operations of the Department. The ACCD Director or designee, using reasonable discretion, will make the final determination on the appropriateness of costumes allowed at ACCD facilities. Metal detectors and “weapons holding areas” may be required for events with heavy costume usage.

Failure to comply with the guidelines set out above my result in removal of the person from ACCD property.


28.8 Facility Contractor Property

The Client assumes full responsibility to safeguard display, advertising material, and goods held for display or sale and all other property owned or used by Client or any of its exhibitors or attendees. The Client hereby waives any claims against the PEC and the person described for damages to, or loss of, the property.


28.9 Forklifts

All forklift operators must have documented training prior to working in the facility. Verification of training certification must be carried at all times when operating equipment on site. The PEC reserves the right to restrict any operator if any equipment is not being operated in a safe manner.


28.10 Keys & Lock Changes

Please coordinate your key order through your Event Coordinator. Check the Equipment and Service Rates.


28.11 Event Security

Event security is an exclusive service of the PEC. PEC security personnel (unarmed) patrol all facility perimeters, parking decks, exterior grounds, and public areas. The PEC maintains twenty-four (24) hour building security in the public space and grounds.

The Client is responsible for event staffing to secure licensed premises and support areas from the first contract day to the last contract day. A minimum level of event staffing is required for move-in and move-out, concerts, dances, sporting events etc. The Client is responsible for event security of the areas in the licensed premises of the contract, as well as public areas used for displays, registration and possibly the parking garages. Download the Security Services & Rates Sheet.

Abusive language, threats, assault, vandalism, theft, and other conduct detrimental to the successful staging of an event are grounds for immediate removal from the premises or arrest, depending on the nature of the offense. Solicitation is prohibited.

Credit is not given for services ordered and not used. A four (4) hour minimum may be required and charged for labor unless otherwise specified. The PEC determines the number and type of security personnel required for an event. Overtime fees may apply.

During move-in and move-out hours of exhibits, a minimum of three (3) Department Security Event Staff and one (1) Licensed Peace Officer (LPO) are required to manage the service yard area.

Final determination of the number of, type of, and duties of personnel required for an event is made by PEC Management.


28.12 Service Contractor Personnel

The following requirements are mandated for all decorator or service contractor staff and labor:

The GSC is required to place at least one (1) person at the entrance gate to the service yard to issue dock passes during move-in and move-out. This person must work in conjunction with the PEC Security Event Staff.