JACKSONVILLE, Ala. (WBRC) – The City of Jacksonville approved a new policy the city thinks will allow police officers to work off-duty jobs while getting the insurance protection they need.
Jacksonville Police Chief Marcus Wood says this off-duty policy will help his officers earn extra money while making sure the businesses hiring them cover any liability.
“Approve a policy that allowed our officers to use city equipment, city cars to work off-duty jobs and then to have that protection while they’re doing so,” said Wood.
With this approval, Chief Wood says it was important to make sure everyone involved was on the same accord.
“The law stipulates that the person wanting to hire had to have at least one-hundred thousand or better. In our policy we made it be the five-hundred thousand that matches the five-hundred thousand that Extra Duty Solutions; this company we’re partnering with is going to help us schedule our off-duty jobs,” said Wood.
Chief Wood says this added layer of protection for his officers was needed in case of potential lawsuits while working off-duty.
Investigator Anthony Strawder, a 21-year veteran on the force, said working off-duty helps officers supplement their income.
“If you feel called to be a first responder, you might not ever get rich, but their is fulfillment in it. Off-duty work definitely helps fill in the cracks. I’ve used it a lot to bless my family on debt-free vacations, around Christmas time, different events, birthdays,” said Strawder.
Investigator Strawder said when it comes to off-duty security, you’re getting the best.
“We have taken the time to be APOST certified and we’ve gone through the proper training with Alabama Peace Officers Standards and Training. So, we do the necessary training and we stay on the cutting edge through requirement and desire,” said Strawder.
Chief Wood says this policy is about giving his officers a piece of mind to perform their jobs without any distractions.
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