Mississippi House Bill HB1076

Mississippi 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/16/23
• Refer: 1/16/23
• Failed: 1/31/23

Caption

Police chiefs; authorize approval of use of uniforms, weapons, vehicles by off-duty officers on private security jobs.

Impact

The bill has implications for how local law enforcement agencies manage their resources and officers' private employment. By granting police chiefs the authority to make these approvals, the bill could lead to more consistent and efficient practices across municipalities. Additionally, it establishes requirements for agencies to ensure that off-duty employment does not undermine the reputation of the law enforcement agency or law enforcement in general. Furthermore, the bill stipulates that the approval for use must be documented and made a part of public records, promoting transparency.

Summary

House Bill 1076 aims to amend Section 17-25-11 of the Mississippi Code to establish new regulations concerning off-duty law enforcement officers engaged in private security services. The bill allows police chiefs, rather than municipal governing authorities, to approve the use of public uniforms, weapons, and vehicles by off-duty law enforcement officers when performing private security duties. This change is intended to streamline the process and provide municipal police chiefs with the authority to determine the appropriateness of off-duty assignments.

Contention

However, the bill raises questions regarding accountability and liability. The legislation specifies that neither the state nor local municipalities would be liable for any claims or injuries arising from an officer's actions while engaged in private security employment. This aspect has been a point of contention, with concerns that it might lead to a lack of accountability for officers while they perform additional private duties. The requirement for third-party vendors to indemnify municipalities also indicates a shift in how public entities manage potential risks associated with officers working outside their public duties.