We allow employees who are commissioned Peace Officers to work in a Secondary Employment Off-Duty capacity in accordance with Sheriff’s Office policies, state and local laws. Peace Officers engage in off-duty employment as independent contractors.
A TCSO Deputy’s primary responsibility while working in an off-duty status is the enforcement of federal and state laws and county ordinances; to protect life and property and to keep the peace. Deputies engaged in a secondary employment job will not refuse to assist any citizen in need and can be called away from any secondary employment job if an emergency arises.
All requests are subject to approval, and we have the right to refuse any request. Due to our primary business needs, we cannot guarantee we will be able to fulfill your request.
Any individual, organization or business requesting to hire our deputies is considered a Contractor for the duration of the employment. Background checks are done on individuals requesting to hire deputies for private functions.
Required Forms to Hire an Off-Duty Officer
- Application for Secondary Employment of Law Enforcement and Liability Agreement
- If you need a vehicle at your event: Vehicle User Agreement
Our deputies have taken the mandatory FHWA-NHI training for construction work zones and follow the guidelines of the Texas Department of Transportation.
It is best to submit your application as soon as you start planning your event. Please review the below timelines which help us ensure we can provide adequate security and traffic control needs specific to your request. Urgent requests will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
Under 500 people: Submit application 30 days prior to event.
500 – 1,000 people: Submit application 60 days prior to event.
Over 1,000 people or for foot/bike races: Submit application 90 days prior to event.
Peace Officer Rates Per Officer (4 Hour Minimum)
General Security: $50.00 per hour
Police Bicycle Certified Officer: $53.00 per hour
Long-term Contracts (requests received less than 48 business hours): $60.00 per hour
Emergency situations (requests received less than 48 business hours): $60.00 per hour
Supervisors when required (determined by complexity of request): $60.00 per hour
Holiday or Plained-clothed Officers or Specially Trained Officers: $65.00 per hour
Peace Officer Contract Coordinator: $50.00 per hour (no minimum | outside of any hours worked on job)
Vehicle Rate (when a patrol unit is needed/required): $20 per hour with a 2-hour minimum
Peace Officer Contract Coordinator
Depending on the complexity of your request, a Peace Officer Coordinator may be required. The Coordinator will be responsible for scheduling the officers, work as your liaison with our agency and invoice for officers and vehicles. The coordinator may charge a coordinating fee. The fee will be for the total number of hours spent coordinating the job outside of any hours worked, based on the standard hourly rate.
Permits
It is the responsibility of the Contractor to obtain any permit that is required for their event. Below is a list of entities you can contact to see if a permit will be required. If permits are required for your event, proof of such permits will be required before we will allow our deputies to work.
Austin Police Department Special Events Unit | 512-974-5032
City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department | 512-974-6797
Travis County Fire Marshal’s Office – Mass Gathering Permit – Fire Codes | 512-854-4621
Travis County Attorney’s Office Insurance – Use of County Roads | 512-854-6492
Travis County Transportation & Natural Resources – Traffic Engineering Department | 512-854-4215
Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) – Use of Right-of-Way Permit | 512-416-3196
For more information, please contact the Off-Duty Facilitator at: