Relating to the authority of a defense base development authority to employ and commission peace officers.

Contracts

• Lease Agreements: Review "Operating Expense" and "CAM" provisions immediately. The Authority now has the statutory right to employ police. If your lease allows the pass-through of "security costs" or "statutory compliance costs," anticipate a potential increase to fund salaries, vehicles, and liability insurance.
• Private Security Vendors: If you contract private security, amend their Post Orders. They must understand the protocol for handing over criminal detainees to Authority Police rather than municipal police.

Hiring/Training

• Facility Management Training: Train facility managers and HR staff that Authority officers are not private security guards; they are state peace officers. They have qualified immunity and the power to arrest.
• Emergency Response: Update Emergency Action Plans (EAPs). Clarify whether 911 calls are routed to the municipal dispatch or the Authority’s dispatch center once established.

Reporting & Record-Keeping

• Incident Logs: Update internal incident reporting forms to distinguish between "Private Security Interventions" and "Law Enforcement Actions." This distinction is vital for insurance claims and litigation.
• Trespass Warnings: Retain copies of all Criminal Trespass warnings issued by Authority police. These are now enforceable under the Texas Penal Code with immediate arrest authority for violations.

Fees & Costs

• CAM Increases: There are no direct state fees. The cost impact is strictly largely through potential lease pass-throughs. A dedicated police department is significantly more expensive than contract security; verify if your lease caps these controllable operating expenses.