Extra Duty Police Officers
In Texas, Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Tennessee, hiring an off-duty police officer for a private assignment is called "extra duty." The officer retains full sworn authority. Request extra duty officers through Officer.app.
Request Extra Duty Officers →What Is Extra Duty Police?
"Extra duty" is a Southern U.S. term for off-duty police officer assignments funded by a private party. When a business hires a uniformed, sworn officer outside their regular shift for security, traffic control, or event coverage — that's an extra duty assignment. The terminology differs by region ("paid detail" in the Northeast, "extra duty" in the South) but the legal authority is identical.
Texas and Florida have particularly active extra duty markets, with major city departments (HPD, NOPD, Miami-Dade) running formal extra duty programs with published rates and streamlined request processes.
Extra Duty Police by State
HPD, DPD, and county departments. Construction and event details most common.
Published holiday rates. Miami-Dade, Broward, and FDLE all accept extra duty requests.
Atlanta PD and county sheriff departments. Active extra duty market statewide.
Lower rates than coastal states. Municipal departments handle most requests.
NOPD and parish sheriff offices. Event security is the dominant use case.
Municipal and county departments. Construction and retail are primary assignments.
Metro Nashville PD and Shelby County are most active. Events and construction.
Common Extra Duty Assignments
Traffic control on public roads requires sworn officers in most Southern states. Extra duty police fill this role for DOT and municipal projects.
NFL, NBA, MLB, and college game day security. Houston, Dallas, Atlanta, Nashville, and New Orleans all have active sports venue extra duty markets.
Major outdoor festivals (Jazz Fest, Lollapalooza satellite events, country music festivals) routinely hire extra duty officers for crowd management.
High-foot-traffic retail, strip malls, and shopping centers in urban cores use extra duty officers for visible deterrence.
Louisiana and Mississippi casinos, entertainment districts, and gaming facilities use extra duty officers for security.
ER departments and behavioral health units in major Southern hospital systems regularly staff extra duty officers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an "extra duty" police officer?
"Extra duty" is the term commonly used in Texas, Florida, Georgia, and other Southern states for off-duty police officer assignments. When a business, contractor, or event organizer hires a sworn officer outside their regular duty hours, that assignment is called "extra duty." The officer retains full law enforcement authority. This is equivalent to "paid detail" (Northeast) or "off-duty detail" used nationally.
How is extra duty police different from private security?
Extra duty police officers are sworn law enforcement officers with full arrest authority, armed with their service weapon. Private security guards have no arrest authority and are not sworn officers. For traffic control on public roads, most Southern states require a sworn officer — private guards cannot legally direct traffic on public streets.
How much does extra duty police cost in Texas and Florida?
Texas extra duty rates typically range from $55–$80/hr depending on department and assignment type. Florida rates range from $55–$115/hr, with documented holiday and overtime premiums. Most assignments require a 4-hour minimum. Houston, Dallas, and Miami departments publish their extra duty rate schedules publicly.
How do I request extra duty police officers in my state?
Through Officer.app, you can browse law enforcement agencies in your state, view their profiles, and submit an extra duty detail request directly. Select your state below to find local agencies, or submit a general request at officer.app/request-officer.
Related Resources
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