Posted: 10/21/2024 5:47:47 PM EDT
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I'm a LEO in Texas. I've been seeing guys on the side of the road at the start of road construction areas. Some are in marked units. Some are in unmarked with a TON of interior lights (red and blue). I got to talking to some of my coworkers that moved from other agencies. A few had pulled them. They said they were awesome, paid a lot, and were easy peasy. They also said they'd run unto issues with admin/city counsel/etc concerning use of marked city vehicles for an off-duty gig outside they city. I'm interested in any info and experiences. The idea of watching movies, doing online college courses, etc, and still being able to FaceTime the family while making easy money sounds great. I dont think I could get use of my city patrol unit, so what about POVs? If this pans out, I figure I'd eventually get a dedicated auctioned explorer or something like it and put permanent lights on it. But what about non-traditional vehicles? I drive a 4Runner. Not an outlandish color. I don't want to permanently mount anything to it, either. How much lighting do they need? What kind of permissions are needed? Is it a security contract to a company or 1099 type stuff? Anyone have pushback from their department? Sorry for the rambling thoughts, just waiting for the kids to finish up practice and trying to brain storm on how to buy a house. |
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Originally Posted By USMS2011: I'm a LEO in Texas. I've been seeing guys on the side of the road at the start of road construction areas. Some are in marked units. Some are in unmarked with a TON of interior lights (red and blue). I got to talking to some of my coworkers that moved from other agencies. A few had pulled them. They said they were awesome, paid a lot, and were easy peasy. They also said they'd run unto issues with admin/city counsel/etc concerning use of marked city vehicles for an off-duty gig outside they city. I'm interested in any info and experiences. The idea of watching movies, doing online college courses, etc, and still being able to FaceTime the family while making easy money sounds great. I dont think I could get use of my city patrol unit, so what about POVs? If this pans out, I figure I'd eventually get a dedicated auctioned explorer or something like it and put permanent lights on it. But what about non-traditional vehicles? I drive a 4Runner. Not an outlandish color. I don't want to permanently mount anything to it, either. How much lighting do they need? What kind of permissions are needed? Is it a security contract to a company or 1099 type stuff? Anyone have pushback from their department? Sorry for the rambling thoughts, just waiting for the kids to finish up practice and trying to brain storm on how to buy a house. Can't speak for where you are but all the security details I've ever seen were run via contract between the company and the agency, not between a company and an individual officer from Anytown PD when his/her agency isn't part of the contracting process. If your agency isn't already doing or offering security details, I don't see a company hiring you on your own outside of the agency, especially trying to use some homemade cop look-alike car. We need noting special here to work the details, just log onto our detail list, pick what you want. At one time, all the details worked generated a 1099 from the company. That no longer happens as now the agency bills the company and then pays the officer, which means all the off-duty detail work goes towards retirement. The agency also gets paid a small amount for the patrol car usage. Again, I have no idea how it works where you are. |
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Yeah, I don't know. I was told of one old timer who does these gigs exclusively (as in doesn't even work for a PD). He bought his own vehicle and equipped it. The amount he was making was far more than what he'd make at his old agency and his age wasn't a factor. I'm trying to find out his info so I can ask him directly. I like the sound of your process. Having a list or roster to pick and chose. We have that for sporting events, but nothing else. It's just submit a request and see if it gets approved. I'm trying to have answers to all the questions I'd be asked before I submit. |
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Originally Posted By Bowhntr6pt: If your agency isn't already doing or offering security details, I don't see a company hiring you on your own outside of the agency, especially trying to use some homemade cop look-alike car. ^Some coworkers were telling me how they would pick up spots not covered by their coworkers (leading to an administrator spotting a marked unit out of their jurisdiction and causing emails and headaches). Also, the number of absolute whacker retired Crown Vics plastered in Chinese LED red and blue lights with a generic "POLICE" magnet on the side doing these gigs is honestly what caught my attention and makes me want to flesh out what is involved before submitting my request. My current understanding is LEOs are the only ones allowed by statute to run red and blue flashing lights on the public roadways, hence it not going to a security company for less. |
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Originally Posted By USMS2011: My current understanding is LEOs are the only ones allowed by statute to run red and blue flashing lights on the public roadways, hence it not going to a security company for less. Here in Florida blue lights on a private vehicle is illegal. Good luck, I hope you get a chance to make a few bucks... |
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Originally Posted By Bowhntr6pt: Here in Florida blue lights on a private vehicle is illegal. Good luck, I hope you get a chance to make a few bucks... Originally Posted By Bowhntr6pt: Originally Posted By USMS2011: My current understanding is LEOs are the only ones allowed by statute to run red and blue flashing lights on the public roadways, hence it not going to a security company for less. Here in Florida blue lights on a private vehicle is illegal. Good luck, I hope you get a chance to make a few bucks... I have a few friends and a couple of people in my agency, that work road jobs in the central Texas area. What part of Texas you in? |
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Originally Posted By Bowhntr6pt: Here in Florida blue lights on a private vehicle is illegal. Good luck, I hope you get a chance to make a few bucks... Texas allows for "authorized emergency vehicles" I'd imagine it would require my chief or some administrator to sign some kind of form with letterhead. And have my credentials on me while operating them, of course. They're more common than I thought once I knew what to look for. But there's a lot of not-remotely-a-cop people running around here thanks to cheap Amazon lights. I've worked some cases with a simple dash light suction-cupped to the front window, to a goofball in a Kia with more lights than my marked unit. Then the volunteer ff's can act silly from time to time. |
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Originally Posted By USMS2011: Texas allows for "authorized emergency vehicles" I'd imagine it would require my chief or some administrator to sign some kind of form with letterhead. And have my credentials on me while operating them, of course. They're more common than I thought once I knew what to look for. But there's a lot of not-remotely-a-cop people running around here thanks to cheap Amazon lights. I've worked some cases with a simple dash light suction-cupped to the front window, to a goofball in a Kia with more lights than my marked unit. Then the volunteer ff's can act silly from time to time. Originally Posted By USMS2011: Originally Posted By Bowhntr6pt: Here in Florida blue lights on a private vehicle is illegal. Good luck, I hope you get a chance to make a few bucks... Texas allows for "authorized emergency vehicles" I'd imagine it would require my chief or some administrator to sign some kind of form with letterhead. And have my credentials on me while operating them, of course. They're more common than I thought once I knew what to look for. But there's a lot of not-remotely-a-cop people running around here thanks to cheap Amazon lights. I've worked some cases with a simple dash light suction-cupped to the front window, to a goofball in a Kia with more lights than my marked unit. Then the volunteer ff's can act silly from time to time. Most use their own POV's fitted with red and blue lights and magnetic police signs for the traffic closures. Sec. 546.001. PERMISSIBLE CONDUCT. In operating an authorized emergency vehicle the operator may: (1) park or stand, irrespective of another provision of this subtitle; (2) proceed past a red or stop signal or stop sign, after slowing as necessary for safe operation; (3) exceed a maximum speed limit, except as provided by an ordinance adopted under Section 545.365, as long as the operator does not endanger life or property; and (4) disregard a regulation governing the direction of movement or turning in specified directions. Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995. Sec. 546.002. WHEN CONDUCT PERMISSIBLE. (a) In this section, "police escort" means facilitating the movement of a funeral, oversized or hazardous load, or other traffic disruption for public safety purposes by a peace officer described by Articles 2.12(1)-(4), (8), (12), (17)(B), and (22), Code of Criminal Procedure. (b) Sections 546.001(2), (3), and (4) apply only when the operator is: (1) responding to an emergency call; (2) pursuing an actual or suspected violator of the law; (3) responding to but not returning from a fire alarm; (4) directing or diverting traffic for public safety purposes; or (5) conducting a police escort. Sec. 541.201. VEHICLES. In this subtitle: (13-a) "Police vehicle" means a vehicle used by a peace officer, as defined by Article 2.12, Code of Criminal Procedure, for law enforcement purposes that: (A) is owned or leased by a governmental entity; (B) is owned or leased by the police department of a private institution of higher education that commissions peace officers under Section 51.212, Education Code; or (C) is: (i) a private vehicle owned or leased by the peace officer; and (ii) approved for use for law enforcement purposes by the head of the law enforcement agency that employs the peace officer, or by that person's designee, provided that use of the private vehicle must, if applicable, comply with any rule adopted by the commissioners court of a county under Section 170.001, Local Government Code, and that the private vehicle may not be considered an authorized emergency vehicle for exemption purposes under Section 228.054, 284.070, 366.178, or 370.177, Transportation Code, unless the vehicle is marked. |
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Will be agency dependent and dependent on the construction company wanting to hire you. Around here its for uniformed LEO's in marked units. With full light panel. I have seen LEO's doing some wild shit in small towns where general orders and SOP's are limited to say the least. If you are seeing what's clearly personal vehicles being use for this sort of activity. I'm guessing its a cut corners sort of operation. Its not for 'security.' Its for traffic control. And your vehicle is typically used for blocking and if need be doing a stop and possibly detaining someone. Lets say you get a drunk that runs into the scene/crew. You also need the ability to do a traffic stop and/or detain someone in your car should an arrest be needed until a transport unit gets there. While these gigs are extremely easy 99% of the time. Shit can go wrong. I know guys that have had drunks inadvertently ram their unit at 70MPH+ (Something about the flashing lights draw them in). Or have had drunks veer into the construction zone and crash out. Remember you might be a commissioned officer. But when you are out of your jurisdiction. Especially in a personal vehicle. You really don't have any authority or legal backing to actually do law enforcement. If shit goes side-ways its going to be 100% on you. Any injury/damage that occurs is on you. The department/municipality you work for will not only throw you to the wolves. But they'll likely terminate you as well. Because of those reasons. I'd probably avoid 'security' gigs involving traffic control if I only have a personal vehicle. I especially don't see how you'd make enough money to justify buying a retired unit and outfitting it with lights/sirens just so you can work ODS gigs out of your jurisdiction. There are a lot of LE agencies that have near unlimited overtime in their own jurisdiction and allow you to use your marked unit to work them. I'd probably hunt a job at a place where you can make decent money as a cop. |
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Originally Posted By ICEAGE: While these gigs are extremely easy 99% of the time. Shit can go wrong. I know guys that have had drunks inadvertently ram their unit at 70MPH+ (Something about the flashing lights draw them in). Or have had drunks veer into the construction zone and crash out. Remember you might be a commissioned officer. But when you are out of your jurisdiction. Especially in a personal vehicle. You really don't have any authority or legal backing to actually do law enforcement. If shit goes side-ways its going to be 100% on you. Any injury/damage that occurs is on you. The department/municipality you work for will not only throw you to the wolves. But they'll likely terminate you as well. Because of those reasons. I'd probably avoid 'security' gigs involving traffic control if I only have a personal vehicle. I especially don't see how you'd make enough money to justify buying a retired unit and outfitting it with lights/sirens just so you can work ODS gigs out of your jurisdiction. There are a lot of LE agencies that have near unlimited overtime in their own jurisdiction and allow you to use your marked unit to work them. I'd probably hunt a job at a place where you can make decent money as a cop. Excellent points that cops forget or don't seriously consider until something bad happens and the agency and work insurance company (Workers Comp) say you were off duty working as a private contractor. ETA- I've not worked an extra detail in fifteen years partially for these reasons... |
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Originally Posted By Bowhntr6pt: Excellent points that cops forget or don't seriously consider until something bad happens and the agency and work insurance company (Workers Comp) say you were off duty working as a private contractor. ETA- I've not worked an extra detail in fifteen years partially for these reasons... Originally Posted By Bowhntr6pt: Originally Posted By ICEAGE: While these gigs are extremely easy 99% of the time. Shit can go wrong. I know guys that have had drunks inadvertently ram their unit at 70MPH+ (Something about the flashing lights draw them in). Or have had drunks veer into the construction zone and crash out. Remember you might be a commissioned officer. But when you are out of your jurisdiction. Especially in a personal vehicle. You really don't have any authority or legal backing to actually do law enforcement. If shit goes side-ways its going to be 100% on you. Any injury/damage that occurs is on you. The department/municipality you work for will not only throw you to the wolves. But they'll likely terminate you as well. Because of those reasons. I'd probably avoid 'security' gigs involving traffic control if I only have a personal vehicle. I especially don't see how you'd make enough money to justify buying a retired unit and outfitting it with lights/sirens just so you can work ODS gigs out of your jurisdiction. There are a lot of LE agencies that have near unlimited overtime in their own jurisdiction and allow you to use your marked unit to work them. I'd probably hunt a job at a place where you can make decent money as a cop. Excellent points that cops forget or don't seriously consider until something bad happens and the agency and work insurance company (Workers Comp) say you were off duty working as a private contractor. ETA- I've not worked an extra detail in fifteen years partially for these reasons... Definitely good points. Farming everyone's experience to make decisions. I was told about the insurance/liability warning by one guy. I've had to play matador a couple times even on day shift. The idea of having to conduct a stop or detain anyone is a turn off. Especially without being in a marked unit. My department pays pretty good. Not much overtime right now due to finally being fully staffed. I got into the job later in life, so the opportunity to make $65/hr while farting around in the car is still appealing. Thank yall for the input! |
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I wont work on the highway. Almost got killed by a drunk. Anymore, the city mandates that the companies have police at any construction site in a roadway. Its a 1099 gig and they pay a ton of money per hour, usually to do nothing. They don't care about the cost because they write it into their bid, and without us there they don't get the work. |
"Some people talk about doing what others have actually done." -my teenage son
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OK, USA
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City agency got set up with a paving company for their road jobs. TX DoT requires a certain number of officers for road work. Neighboring agency had one guy coordinate the jobs and send us the info, and the company paid off duty rate to the officer and $15/hr to the agency for use of the cruiser. Most of the jobs were out of my city limits, but it didn't matter. We had a policy dictating what uniform is allowed, max hours allowed, enforcement powers, etc. We also had to take a course or two (I think through FEMA but it was years ago now) and had to have the certificate available for TXDoT to review if needed otherwise we'd be kicked off the job. TXDoT rep would have pay sheets we'd fill out and they'd sign, then get paid direct a short while later w/ a separate check directly to the agency. Worked many events at CoTA with guys from all over the state. Many of them were retired and had some little podunk town/county have them as a reserve so they could work these sort of jobs. Seen pickups, sedans, old cruisers, and even a Hyundai Veloster lit up like Christmas trees. For these guys, they'd have a generic t-shirt or polo that just said POLICE on it, a high vis vest that said the same, a generic texas LEO badge, and police magnets on their cars (always crooked, remember that). If I worked them, the admin coordinating LE for the event would need my name, agency and unit number. They'd pay me direct and the agency would get the same $15/hr like the paving jobs. If you use your own car when required, the $15/hr would get paid to you instead of your agency. These were all 1099. Heard of some agencies getting set up so you get paid through your normal paycheck which could make taxes easier. |