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Council Authorizes Police Chief to Allow Uniformed Off-duty Officers for Private Security
Summary
An amendment to Topeka Municipal Code 5.90.02 was approved allowing the chief of police to authorize law enforcement officers to wear department uniforms when performing extra-duty or private security assignments; council members debated liability, city costs and deterrence.
The Topeka City Council approved an ordinance amending Topeka Municipal Code 5.90.02 on Oct. 21 to delegate to the chief of police the authority to permit sworn officers to wear department uniforms while working extra-duty or private-security assignments.
Jamie Haltom, chief of staff for the Topeka Police Department, and supporting TPD staff described the proposed change as clarifying and centralizing authority with the police chief, emphasizing public visibility and the built-in accountability of body-worn cameras when a uniformed officer is performing security duties. Haltom said the policy aligns with practices used in other jurisdictions and could reduce criminal activity and calls for service by providing a visible deterrent.
Deputy Mayor Kale and other council members raised concerns about city costs for equipment and training, and the prospect that the city would shoulder uniform and maintenance costs for officers performing private security for businesses. Council members pressed staff on liability and existing secondary and extra-duty employment policy; Councilman Duncan said legal counsel's memo indicates similar levels of liability whether officers wear uniforms or not.
Councilman Dobler moved approval and Councilman Duncan seconded. Councilman Kale voted no; the clerk announced eight yes votes and said the motion carried. The mayor did not vote on the ordinance.
Why it matters: The ordinance shifts decision-making authority to the police chief for when off-duty officers may wear uniforms while performing private-duty security. Supporters argued it increases visibility and deterrence; critics warned of potential city costs and public perception issues.
What council directed or decided: The amendment to Topeka Municipal Code 5.90.02 passed after debate; staff will update the code and the department's secondary-employment procedures to reflect the change.
Ending: The police department will continue to apply its secondary-employment policies, and the city's legal and finance staff will monitor costs and liability exposures as officers provide extra-duty security.
