Purpose
The following staffing matrix provides general guidelines for determining police officer deployment during special events within the City of Murrieta. Staffing levels are based on estimated attendance, the presence of alcohol, and whether private security is employed. These guidelines are intended to assist in planning but do not replace supervisory discretion or operational judgment.
Staffing Matrix
Events Without Alcohol
Estimated
Attendance
Officers per
Attendees
Minimum
Staffing Notes
1 per 250
2 Small gatherings, community
events.
1 per 300 4 – 6 School events, small concerts,
parades.
1 per 400 8 – 12 Mid-size community or cultural
events.
25 – 500
501 – 2,000
2,001 – 5,000
5,001 – 10,000 1 per 500 12 – 18 Large public gatherings.
Officers per
Attendees
Minimum
Staffing Notes
1 per 150 3 – 4 Bars, beer gardens, private parties.
1 per 200 8 – 10 Concerts, large receptions.
1 per 250 12 – 18 Street fairs, festivals with beer
gardens.
Events With Alcohol
Estimated
Attendance
25 – 500
501 – 2,000
2,001 – 5,000
5,001 – 10,000 1 per 300 20 – 25 Amphitheater events, large music festivals.
Events With Private Security Present
(Industry Standard: One sworn officer for every 3–5 private security staff) Murrieta Police Department
Deployment Matrix
Private
Security
Required
2 3 - 5
10 - 15
Estimated
Attendance
25 - 250
251 - 500
501 - 2,000
2,001 - 5,000
5,001 - 10,000
20 - 30
Minimum
Sworn Officers
0 2
2 - 4
6 - 8
8 - 12
Notes
Alcohol served 2 officers
Alcohol requirement already met
Final numbers based on site and risk
Staffing may increase for high-risk events
Additional supervisors may be required
Industry Standard
A widely recognized guideline is to staff one sworn law enforcement officer for every three to five private security personnel. This model allows security staff to handle access control, bag checks, and general monitoring while sworn officers focus on enforcement, public safety, and emergency response. This approach not only maintains safety but also reduces the burden of police service fees on event organizers, supporting vendor success and revenue growth.
Event Deployment Considerations
In addition to attendance, alcohol service, and private security staffing, police deployment should account for:
• Venue (indoor, outdoor, open-access, controlled entry) • Alcohol Served (none, beer/wine only, full bar)
• Guest/Artist Profile and Following (popularity, prior incidents, anticipated crowd behavior)
• Age Group/Demographic (youth-oriented, family, adult-focused) • Threat Assessment (credible threats, controversial elements, prior history at the venue/event)
Sample Staffing Scenario
Event: 5,000-person amphitheater concert, alcohol served, private security present. • Base Matrix (With Alcohol): 12–18 sworn officers recommended. • Private Security Adjustment: 30–50 private security staff + 6–8 sworn officers. 30 - 40
• Final Deployment Plan: Approximately 8 sworn officers supported by 40 private security personnel, focused on alcohol monitoring, traffic control, and rapid response.
Disclaimer
This matrix is intended only as a planning reference. Actual staffing levels may vary depending on event type, location, threat assessment, and operational needs. The Murrieta Police Department retains full discretion to increase or decrease staffing on a case-by-case basis.
Special Events Fire Prevention Matrix
All events are required to submit a fire prevention plan. The plan should include the event’s fire prevention plan, number of projected attendees, type of food vendors that will be at the event, and description of cooking method (open flames or grease)
The Fire Prevention Matrix identifies the minimum requirements for special events in the City of Murrieta. The Murrieta Fire Chief or his/her designee has final authority to determine event Fire Prevention requirements.
Approved By:
Print Name & Title: Date:
Fire Prevention Services at Special Events
I. Purpose
Establish minimum standards for fire prevention services at mass gatherings and special events.
Event Type # Inspectors
Needed
Est Crowd
Size
Food Vendor
inspection (open
Flame/Grease)
Fire
Extinguishers
Required
Crowd
Management
Plan
Fire
Watch/Standby
Personnel
FD Engine
Company
Concert / Music
Festival / Park
Event
1 500-3,500 Required Yes Suggested Required
1-2 3,500 – 8,000 Required Yes Required Required
2-4 8,000-15,000 Required Yes Required Required Suggested 4-8 >15,000 Required Yes Required Required Required
Athletic / Sporting
Event (Occurs in
one location)
500-3,500 Required Yes Suggested Suggested
1-2 3,500 – 8,000 Required Yes Required Required
2-4 8,000-15,000 Required Yes Required Required
4-8 >15,000 Required Yes Required Required
Races, Triathlons,
etc. (Routes,
Multiple locations)
1 500-3,500 Required Yes Suggested Suggested
2 3,500 – 8,000 Required Yes Required Required
4-6 8,000-15,000 Required Yes Required Required
6-8 >15,000 Required Yes Required Required
Parade / Rally 1 500-3,500 Required Yes Suggested Suggested
2-4 3,500 – 8,000 Required Yes Required Required
4-6 8,000-15,000 Required Yes Required Required
6-8 >15,000 Required Yes Required Required
Street Fair / Market 1 500-3,500 Required Yes Suggested Suggested
2-4 3,500 – 8,000 Required Yes Required Required
4-6 8,000-15,000 Required Yes Required Required Suggested 6-8 >15,000 Required Yes Required Required Required
Conference /
Trade Show
1 500-3,500 Required Yes Suggested Suggested
1-2 3,500 – 8,000 Required Yes Required Required
3-5 8,000-15,000 Required Yes Required Required
6-8 >15,000 Required Yes Required Required
Murrieta Fire & Rescue
II. SPECIAL EVENT FIRE PREVENTION PLANS
A. Special Event Fire Prevention Plans shall include, but not be limited to, the following considerations:
1. Event description, including event name, location and expected attendance.
2. Type of food vending business (i.e. food vendor or food truck).
3. Inspection of food vendors using open flames or grease for cooking.
4. Use of fuel-powered generators.
III. PROCEDURES FOR SUBMITTING SPECIAL EVENT FIRE PREVENTIONPLANS A. Special Event Fire Prevention Plans shall be submitted following guidelines posted on the City of Murrieta Special Events website.
IV. FIRE PREVENTION STAFF CONTACT
The Fire Prevention staff point of contact for questions on this policy or Special Event Fire Prevention Plans may be reached via [email protected]
Prevention Definitions
Food Vendor Inspection: Includes checking for proper fire extinguisher types (Class K for grease), safe propane storage, and separation distances.
Fire Extinguishers Required: All cooking vendors must have appropriate tagged and serviced extinguishers (ABC as well as Class K if using cooking oils).
Crowd Management Plan: Must include ingress/egress routes, signage, trained staff, and emergency evacuation procedures.
Fire Watch / Standby Personnel: Fire prevention staff or trained personnel assigned to monitor fire safety during large crowd capacity events.
FD Engine Company Presence: Assigned based on risk, crowd size, and access limitations. May be staged nearby and available for response.
1 Rev. 10/2025
Special Events Medical Service Matrix
All events are required to submit a medical plan. The plan should include the event’s medical communication plan, number of projected attendees, certification levels of medical staff, and type of resources that will be at the event, description of how resources will be managed, and location of medical aid stations.
The Medical Service Matrix identifies the minimum requirements for special events in the City of Murrieta. The Murrieta Fire Chief or his/her designee has final authority to determine event medical service requirements.
Other factors that may impact medical service requirements include, but are not limited to, alcohol sale s or consumption, type of event/event activities, and the potential for weather issues, and a Murrieta PD threat analysis.
Event Type Est Crowd Size 911
Access
First Aid
Station
(CPR/AED)
First Aid
Station
w/Paramedic
ALS/BLS
Ambulance
FD Mobile
Teams
FD Engine
Company
Concert / Music
Festival / Park Event
500-3,500 Required Required Suggested Suggested
3,500 – 8,000 Required Suggested BLS / ALS Required
8,000-15,000 Required Required ALS+ Required Suggested >15,000 Required ALS+ Required Required
Athletic / Sporting
Event (Occurs in one
location)
500-3,500 Required Required BLS
3,500 – 8,000 Required Required BLS Suggested
8,000-15,000 Required Required ALS+ Required
>15,000 Required Required ALS+ Required
Races, Triathlons, etc.
(Routes, Multiple
locations)
500-3,500 Required Required ALS Suggested
3,500 – 8,000 Required Required ALS+ Required
8,000-15,000 Required Required ALS+ Required
>15,000 Required Required ALS+ Required
Parade / Rally
500-3,500 Required Required
3,500 – 8,000 Required Suggested BLS Suggested
8,000-15,000 Required Required ALS+ Required
>15,000 Required Required ALS+ Required
Street Fair / Market
500-3,500 Required Required
3,500 – 8,000 Required Suggested Suggested
8,000-15,000 Required Suggested ALS+ Suggested Suggested >15,000 Required Required ALS+ Required Required
Conference / Trade
Show
500-3,500 Required Required
3,500 – 8,000 Required Suggested ALS
8,000-15,000 Required Required ALS Suggested Suggested >15,000 Required Required ALS+ Required Suggested
ALS+: Indicates more than one ALS may be required
Additional Considerations: Fireworks, Professional Sporting Events More than one First Aid Station and/or Ambulance may be needed based on size of footprint, event demographics, or other concerns.
Approved By:
Print Name & Title: Date:
Murrieta Fire & Rescue
2 Rev. 10/2025
Levels of Medical Service Definitions
BASIC FIRST AID STATION (CPR/AED): The Basic First Aid Station is staffed by a person trained and certified to render first aid and CPR (e.g. Red Cross certification). The basic first aid station should contain these three items: a plan to access 911, someone trained in Cardio- Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), an AED and a basic First Aid Kit containing at a minimum:
compresses, ice packs, bandages, and antiseptic.
FIRST AID STATION WITH EMT: The First Aid Station with current California Stare licensed EMT has the same elements as the basic first aid station, plus a licensed EMT. An EMT provides basic life support (BLS) when a medical emergency occurs. BLS includes: CPR with AED, oxygen administration, BVM, spinal immobilization, and bleeding control.
FIRST AID STATION WITH PARAMEDIC: The First Aid Station with a with current California licensed Paramedic has the same elements as the First Aid Station with EMT, plus staffing by a licensed Paramedic. A Paramedic provides advanced life support (ALS) when a medical emergency occurs. Paramedics receive advanced training in airway maintenance , medication administration, and can perform other more invasive procedures in medical emergencies.
Additional equipment needs to include: Heart monitor, IV equipment with fluids, advanced airways, ACLS medications.
All first aid stations should be in designated, well-marked areas visible to the public. When completing your special event permit application, please designate your first aid site(s) on your event map and include it with your permit application.
BASIC LIFE SUPPORT (BLS) AMBULANCE: An event may require a Basic Life Support (BLS) ambulance on site. The BLS ambulance shall meet the minimum standard as permitted by the Riverside County Emergency Medical Services Agency. An event requiring the use of a BLS ambulance may utilize a private medical contract service if they are currently licensed in the State of California and approved by the Riverside County Emergency Medical Services Agency.
ADVANCED LIFE SUPPORT (ALS) AMBULANCE: An event may require an Advanced Life Support (ALS) ambulance on site. The ALS ambulance shall meet the standard as permitted by the Riverside County Emergency Medical Services Agency . An event requiring the use of an ALS ambulance may utilize a private medical contract service if they are currently licensed in the State of California and approved by the Riverside County Emergency Medical Services Agency.
Fire Department (FD) MOBILE MEDICAL TEAM: Events attracting large numbers of people or covering a wide vicinity require a mobile medical team. The team has the ability to access a medical need by foot, or small vehicle. The mobile teams are deployed in areas of difficult or limited access such as events covering large areas of square feet, acres, or miles such as runs or festivals. In addition to rendering aid, a mobile team may be required to include transportation for minor injuries to include physical fatigue to the event’s first aid 3 Rev. 10/2025
location.
Fire Department (FD) Engine Company: Fire Engine presence at certain large-scale events is suggested strictly for mitigation purposes. Crews will monitor for fire safety, crowd capacity and access issues. Fire crews are not for primary medical services. 4 Rev. 10/2025
Emergency Medical Services at Special Events
I. PURPOSE
Establish minimum standards for emergency medical services at mass gatherings and special events.
II. SPECIAL EVENT MEDICAL PLANS
A. Special Event Medical Plans shall include, but not be limited to, the following considerations:
1. Event description, including event name, location and expected attendance.
2. Participant safety (the safety plan for event participants and spectators)
3. Non-participant safety (the safety plan for individuals not participating in, but affected by the event such as neighboring local residents and on-lookers)
4. Descriptions of the following medical resources:
a) Personnel certified in cardio-pulmonary resuscitation, rapid access to automatic external defibrillator(s), and 911 access; b) First aid station(s) (if indicated; see Medical Service Matrix); c) Ambulance(s) (if indicated; see Medical Service Matrix); d) Mobile medical resource(s) (if indicated; see Medical Service Matrix)
B. Special Event Communications Plans, including name(s) and contact information for the event leader and a point of contact on the day of the event, a description of direct routine communications, and a description of disaster communications if cell phones are not available (e.g. two -way radios). A description of communications between the following shall be included:
1. Venue staff and/or security personnel, event coordinator, and medical personnel.
2. Medical personnel located at a first aid station and mobile resources and/or satellite stations.
3. Medical personnel and the 911 Dispatch Center.
4. Medical personnel and ambulances as applicable.
5. Transporting unit and receiving hospital
III. EMT SERVICES AT SPECIAL EVENTS
A. On-site medical personnel shall be minimally certified as an EMT in the State of California with designated Medical Control and equipped to provide the complete EMT Scope of Practice as defined in the State of California EMS Physician Commission Standard. They shall follow all agreed upon expectations of the approved medical plan.
B. Paramedics equipped and used to provide Basic Life Support must have a current license by the State of California with designated Medical Control.
IV. PARAMEDIC SERVICES AT SPECIAL EVENTS
A. Paramedics deployed as part of a Special Events Medical Plan shall be:
1. Licensed in the state of California with designated Medical Direction.
2. On-duty with a State licensed Paramedic Service Provider for the duration of the event for which they are deployed; and
3. Equipped to provide Advanced Life Support care per t h e most current Riverside County Emergency Medical Services Agency treatment protocols.
B. Paramedics shall follow the most current Riverside County Emergency Medical Services Agency treatment protocols.
5 Rev. 10/2025
V. AMBULANCE SERVICES AT SPECIAL EVENTS
Ambulances deployed as part of the approved Event Medical Plan shall be licensed at the appropriate provider level to operate by the Riverside County Emergency Medical Services Agency.
VI. AUTOMATIC EXTERNAL DEFIBRILLATORS
Automatic External Defibrillator (s) (AEDs) should be made accessible to medical personnel and non- medical personnel trained in its use and located throughout the venue in location(s) that will enable the first non-medical personnel trained in their use to initiate rapid patient treatment.
VII. PROCEDURES FOR SUBMITTING SPECIAL EVENT MEDICAL PLANS A. Special Event Medical Plans shall be submitted following guidelines posted on the City of Murrieta Special Events website.
VIII. EMS AGENCY STAFF CONTACT
The EMS Agency staff point of contact for questions on this policy or Special Event Medical Plans may be reached via [email protected].
6 Rev. 10/2025
APPENDIX A
Definitions Special Event Medical Resources
CPR & 911 Access: Event staff and/or safety personnel have the capability to notify 911 of any medical emergencies and to provide CPR/AED access per EMS Agency System Standards [within five (5) minutes in 90% of occurrences].
First Aid Station with Emergency Medical Technician (EMT): A fixed or mobile facility with the ability to provide first aid level care staffed by at least one EMT or higher skill level personnel. First Aid level care is defined as treatment of minor medical conditions and injuries by care providers who have received training in First Aid, at the EMT level. Examples of First Aid care include cleaning, bandaging, and treating simple wounds such as scrapes and shallow cuts, providing cold packs for musculoskeletal strains and bruises, and giving drinking water and a place to rest for patients who are mildly dehydrated. Each Fixed First Aid Station shall have an AED and MCI Kit present at all times.
Examples of a First Aid Station include a tent, a clinic, an ambulance , or a vehicle of some type.
The first aid station must have 911 communications capability. EMTs who are employees of locally permitted ambulance provider agencies are recommended due to their familiarity with local policies, procedures, and protocols. It is also recommended that any event employing multiple First Aid Stations also have a designated Event Medical Director and establish a liaison with emergency services to improve coordination with 911.
First Aid Station with Paramedic, Nurse, or Physician: A similar facility to a First Aid Station with an EMT, but staffed by at least one Accredited Paramedic, Registered Nurse , or Physician, holding a current California license. It is preferred that the Nurse and Physician be experienced in emergency medical care and triage of seriously ill or injured patients to higher levels of care.
BLS (Basic Life Support) Ambulance: An ambulance staffed by two EMTs or Paramedics working at a BLS level. BLS units may be utilized for first response (as a Mobile Team) or to substitute for a fixed First Aid Station with an EMT. If transport is needed, local 911 must be contacted.
ALS (Advanced Life Support) Ambulance: An ambulance staffed by at least one Paramedic (licensed to work at the ALS level) and one EMT. If transport is needed, local 911 must be contacted.
Fire Department (FD) MOBILE MEDICAL TEAM: Fire Department Mobile Teams are comprised of Two Firefighter / Paramedics from Murrieta Fire & Rescue. The team has the ability to access a medical need by foot, or small vehicle. The mobile teams are deployed in areas of difficult or limited access such as events covering large areas of square feet, acres, or miles such as runs or festivals. In addition to rendering aid, a mobile team may be required to include transportation for minor injuries to include physical fatigue to the event’s first aid location.
Fire Department (FD) Engine Company: Fire Engine Companies are comprised by at minimum three MFR personnel, including at minimum one Captain, one Engineer, and one Firefighter / Paramedic.
These resources when on scene are for mitigation purposes. Crews will monitor for fire safety, crowd capacity and access issues. Fire crews are not for primary medical services.