Moonlighting Police Officers

Moonlighting Police Officers

Moonlighting of police officers is controversial with departments across the nation.  In this week’s resource folder there are several news articles from various metropolitan areas that voice concern over the implementation and regulation of moonlighting.  Of concern are the obvious factors of conflict of interest and safety.

 

Conflict of interest is a natural concern among police departments due to the influence and consideration private employers are given by hired public officials.  In order to combat common areas which may receive extra consideration are establishments associated with after-hours entertainment and/or drinking establishments.  As can be seen in the local news articles some police departments ban their officers from working for these types of businesses.  In the resource folder is also the departmental regulation for Arlington, Virginia police officers desiring outside employment.  Arlington prohibits police officers from working for a private security firm.  However, this does not preclude the officer from working directly for a small business.  Other restrictions that Arlington places on their officers includes outside work as taxi cab drivers, bar security and as debt collectors, for obvious reasons.  Also contained in the resource folder for week four is an FBI bulletin containing recommended guidelines for implementing an outside employment program.

 

Many departments control the off duty work environment through the creation of a full formal function and associated processes within their department.  Prior to authorization for off duty employment an officer must complete the proper application process and in some places acknowledge through training or personal verification they understand the legal bounds and constraints they will work under.  Arlington also requires the wear of the uniform and department badge with the understanding the officer is on duty at all times.  This aids in the reduction of any confusion during and post incident.  Other means of control is through the capping of allowable hours worked within a given day and how many days worked in a row.  Through careful and deliberate planning and implementation a department can reduce their level of liability and exposure in regards to off duty officers and employment.

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1) Give your opinion of police officers who moonlight as private security personnel. Are they ever officially off duty ? Explain your answer. Post to Forums and respond to at least two of your classmates postings.

2) Using the articles included in the reading describe in detail the salient points of a comprehensive off duty plan that a department should hold their officers to. Include the appropriate citations and references for these articles. Post to Forums and respond to at least two of your classmate’s postings.

The different readings sources