MS SB2191

Amends Section 17-25-11 of Mississippi Code to authorize certified law enforcement officers employed by counties or municipalities to use official vehicles (in addition to uniforms and firearms) while performing private security services during off-duty hours.

Requires individual employee-by-employee approval from the governing authority of the municipality or the county sheriff before an officer may use official uniform, weapon, and vehicle for private security work.

Requires the approving authority to determine that the proposed private security employment will not bring disrepute to the jurisdiction or law enforcement agency, and that use of official uniform, weapon, and vehicle promotes the public interest.

Establishes that acts and omissions of officers performing private security are the responsibility of the private employer, not the public jurisdiction, and requires the private employer to indemnify and hold harmless the jurisdiction for all expenses, losses, and legal fees arising from officer actions.

Limits the use of official uniform, weapon, and vehicle to locations within the jurisdiction of the governmental entity issuing them, and requires officers to notify their law enforcement agency of off-duty employment location, hours, and type of work.

Takes effect July 1, 2020.