Hiring Off-Duty Law Enforcement

Deputies are available for private hire during their off-duty hours at the request of citizens, organizations, and businesses.  These deputies can assist the community by providing law enforcement services relating to crowd control, traffic control, and security. 

Deputies may be hired for the following:

• Civic celebrations
   

• Construction sites
   

• Dignitary protection
   

• Funeral escorts
   

• Job safety
   

• Parades
   

• Private functions
   

• Social events
   

• Store sales events

*Sarasota County may require you have a permit for your event.  Please check with Sarasota County Planning and Development Services to see if you are required to have a permit.

The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office reserves the right to refuse or cancel off-duty work assignments that are in conflict with the law or values of the Sheriff’s Office.  Furthermore, the Sheriff’s Office may recall the deputies for official duty when necessary for community safety.

Rates of Service:

            Rates current as of January 2009

·        3 Hour Minimum – An employee can work less than 3 hours but must be paid for 3 hours.

·         5 – 9 deputies require the hiring of a sergeant.

·         10 – 14 deputies require the hiring of a sergeant and lieutenant.

Staffing Requirements:

·     Based upon the size or type of event, the sheriff’s office may require additional deputies be hired to ensure the safety of deputies and civilians.

Procedure for hiring an off-duty deputy is as follows:

1.   Download the attached contract or contact Special Detail Coordinator Carolyn Stiff at (941)861-4075 or email at cstiff@scgov.net for a copy of the contract.

2.   Complete the contract and return to the office of the Special Detail Coordinator.  You may fax a completed contract to (941)861-4063 or email a scanned copy to cstiff@scgov.net

**NOTE** Requests submitted less than seven days in advance may not be completed.

3.   Upon receipt of the contract, the Special Detail Coordinator will contact you in order to verify the information and obtain specific details.

4.   Each contract must be approved prior to final acceptance through the Special Operations Bureau Commander or his/her designee.

Payment Methods:

·     Payment in the form of check or money order made payable to the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office must be paid in advance at the time of submitting the contract, unless prior arrangements have been made with the Special Detail Coordinator. 

·     Annual or Reoccurring Account: The customer will be billed monthly and must make payment upon receipt in the form of check or money order.

·     No deputy is allowed to accept cash or payment directly from a customer.

NOTE: Non-compliance with the payment policy, without prior arrangements through the Special Detail Coordinator will result in cancellation of the contract. Further off-duty employment will be suspended pending settlement of the account and/or civil proceedings.

Cancellations:

1. Cancellations must be confirmed at least 24 hours in advance of the scheduled detail. If the detail is cancelled or changed and the Special Detail Coordinator  does not confirm notification, then the deputies scheduled for that detail must be paid the 3-hour minimum.

2. During business hours contact the Special detail Coordinator by calling 941-861-4075 (Monday - Friday 8:00am - 4:30pm). After hours, please contact (941) 316-1201(Emergencies only).

NOTE: It is the responsibility of the employer to notify the office of the Special Detail Coordinator if the business or organization will be closed for a holiday or for any other purpose when off duty deputies are normally scheduled. If employer fails to notify the office of the Special Detail Coordinator deputies are not needed that day, the normal minimum charges for the assignment will apply.

Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office

Attn: Special Detail Coordinator

2071 Ringling Blvd.

Sarasota, FL 34237

cstiff@scgov.net

Off Duty Employment Contract