MS HB1023

Amends Section 17-25-11 of the Mississippi Code to require a municipal police chief to approve a deputy officer's use of official uniform and official weapon while performing private security services during off-duty hours, changing prior approval authority from the municipal governing board and chief executive.

Police chief must approve use on an employee-by-employee basis (not by general order) and must determine the proposed private employment will not bring disrepute to the jurisdiction, agency, or law enforcement generally, and that use promotes public interest.

Private security employers must indemnify and hold harmless the employing jurisdiction for any expenses, losses, or attorney's fees resulting from officer actions while performing private security duties in official uniform or with official weapon.

Officers must notify their law enforcement agency of private job location, hours worked, and type of employment before performing private security work.

Official uniform and weapon may only be used at locations within the jurisdiction of the governmental entity that issued them; effective July 1, 2014.