The City of Riviera Beach has the responsibility to provide a safe and secure environment for those that visit City facilities.  Depending on the facility, the City has various security measures in place, to include security personnel, screening equipment, security cameras, and law enforcement personnel.  In order to operate security screening uniformly and consistent with applicable laws, staff recommends the adoption of a security policy that restricts weapons in certain city facilities and outlines operational procedures.

Staff from the Police Department and City Attorney’s Office worked jointly on the development of a policy.   City Staff researched security policies and conducted site visits at local governmental facilities in order to review current security practices and standards.

Pursuant to Florida Statute Chapter 790, a license issued under 790.06 F.S. does not authorize any person to openly carry a handgun or concealed weapon or firearm into any police station or any meeting of the governing body of a municipality or special district.

Specifically, this Security Policy will prohibit anyone from bringing weapons into buildings solely occupied by a law enforcement agency, and further utilize security personnel and screening equipment to enforce the policy.

Visitors and Employees that are not properly screened will be denied access. Furthermore, the Security Policy requires that all visitors to City facilities and City employees are subject to search when the City has probable cause to believe that the Security Policy has been violated.

According to the Security Policy, in any City Facility other than a Firearm Prohibited Facility as defined by the Policy, persons legally carrying a concealed weapon shall be subject to screening, but allowed to enter the City facility with the weapon after having demonstrated possession of a valid State issued permit, and provided the weapon is not carried into a meeting of the governing body or special district.

Upon adoption of the Security Policy, the City will ensure proper signage is posted at all applicable locations outlining the prohibited weapons.

Staff Recommends the adoption of the Security Policy prohibiting weapons in certain City Facilities and outlining operational procedures to be followed in conjunction with the Policy.