The first step to hiring police officers to work for you off-duty is to figure out whether or not you need them in the first place. Not everyone will immediately think of off-duty police officers as the solution they need, and it's possible you could solve a problem by working with these professionals. So it's obviously worth asking yourself whether it's time to turn to law enforcement for peace of mind and security.
If you're in the midst of planning for a big event, ask yourself if any of the following points apply to you: They could be signs that an off-duty officer is just what you need.
1. Your existing security staff won't be enough
There's nothing wrong with using security guards… unless they're taking on more than they can handle. The experience of a police officer can be a great addition to what you already have, working together with others and taking the lead if necessary during a high-stakes event. Review the staff you're normally using and consider if you need some extra help. If so, you can't get better than a licensed police officer.
2. You're not sure what to expect
Although experience is crucial for handling a crisis, proper training is arguably even more important. The best police personnel will have both, but the knowledge of the law and protocol they've picked up can set them apart from other security staff options. A situation that's likely to be chaotic is crying out for someone who can keep calm under pressure and follow the rules. That, and the mere deterrence factor of having on-site police officers, is the advantage of police in a nutshell.
3. There's personal liability on the line
Unexpected risks can crop up for everyone at a major event, including the off-duty police officers you hire. If you work with covered officers, though, you can cut down on the liability you might otherwise face for an on-site incident. That's one less thing to worry about, and depending on the reason you need a police officer in the first place, the insurance coverage provided by Frizell Group could pay for itself right off the bat!
4. Your facility will be over capacity
Any space can get dangerous when it's too full of people. The benefits of using a police officer for managing crowded spaces is that you have someone who can judge things correctly. Scoping out a situation and knowing what it requires is part of what makes an officer valuable. Plus, off-duty police can still go on-duty if needed and take action, making it easier to respond when space is tight.
5. The alternatives are too complicated
Hiring off-duty police officers can ultimately save you a lot of hassle in the long run, especially if you let someone else handle the logistics. As you plan for traffic management or onsite security, you might start to notice your plans getting a little convoluted.
Instead of trying to handle crowds with security guards or non-professionals, the presence of a police officer can be a much more efficient solution. Imagine the reaction when someone sees the law at your worksite or event site and you will have an idea of why the real thing, in the form of a police presence, matters.
You can get more info about off-duty police practices, as well as the risk mitigation and administrative savings, when you contact Frizell Group.
