(a) The department is authorized to conduct security surveys of state-owned buildings to determine the need for security equipment and on-site security personnel. If it is determined that a need exists, these services may be provided if funding is available. The regulations detailed in this section will apply to security devices and personnel.
  (1) Video security systems. In order to meet legal requirements pertaining to chain of custody of evidence, all video security systems located in public or common access areas (exterior doors, lobbies, loading docks, etc.) will be under the control of the department.
  (2) Electronic security access. Electronic security access systems installed on exterior and interior building doors must be approved by, and in the case of exterior building doors controlled by the computer security system of the department. Capitol visitor screening equipment (x-ray machines and metal detector units) will be under the control of the department.
  (3) Security personnel. When a verified need exists for on-site security personnel in a state-owned building, the department is authorized to assign its personnel to the location or after receiving a written request from the chief executive of the agency requesting security services, the department shall assist with developing a contract with a private security agency to provide the personnel. In order to ensure fair and equitable security for all agencies housed in a building, all contracts for private security personnel in a state building must be approved by the department.
  (4) Funding. If the department does not have funds to provide services or equipment under this section, other state agencies may enter into interagency contracts to reimburse the department for such costs.
(b) Any unattended containers large enough to contain explosive devices are subject to searches by department security personnel.
(c) The provisions of this section do not apply to buildings and grounds which fall under the provisions of §8.1(e) of this title (relating to General).

Source Note: The provisions of this §8.11 adopted to be effective January 12, 2015, 40 TexReg 248