Senate Bill 2236

AN ACT TO AUTHORIZE OFF-DUTY USE OF UNIFORMS AND WEAPONS BY LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS ENGAGING IN PRIVATE EMPLOYMENT UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:

SECTION 1. (1) Use of official uniforms and weapons by officers on private job. Certified law enforcement officers or part-time law enforcement officers, as defined in Section 45-6-3, may wear their uniforms and use their weapons and like equipment while performing private jobs in their off-duty hours with the written permission of the law enforcement agency and with approval by the governing body by which they are employed. Such employment shall not be considered a violation of state ethics law.

(2) Duties of employing agencies. Each agency head shall determine before such off-duty work is approved that the proposed employment is not of such nature as is likely to bring disrepute on the agency, the officer or the law enforcement profession, and that the performance of such duties and the use of such agency equipment is in the public interest. Each agency head and governing authority may adopt rules and regulations governing off-duty work by its officers, including requirements that private employers agree to indemnify the agency or governing authority as a condition of approving the off-duty employment.

(3) Liability of public employer for off-duty acts. Off-duty work performed by law enforcement officers shall not be considered as work done within the scope of his employment, and no public service district, municipality, county, state, or any of its agencies or political subdivisions shall be liable for acts performed by off-duty law enforcement officers as permitted by this section.

(4) Notice to agency concerning off-duty employment. Certified police officers performing private jobs during their off-duty hours shall be required to notify the appropriate law enforcement agency of the place of employment, the hours to be worked, and the type of employment.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2006.