Wilmington police officers contracted out for private security can use their cruisers. (StarNews file photo)
Yes. Businesses pay a flat rate to contract city police officers for security reasons. And any officer assigned to fill a private contract can wear his or her uniform and drive a patrol car, said Lucy Crockett, a spokeswoman for the Wilmington Police Department.
Such contracts are administered through the city and the WPD has one employee whose principal job is to evaluate contract requests and determine whether the duties listed therein are appropriate for officers to perform. For example, Crockett said, officers are routinely hired to provide security services on local movie sets and at stores during high-volume business days like around Christmas.
Crockett said the fact that contractees pay a rate to hire a WPD officer ensures that taxpayers don’t foot the bill for a private business’ security needs. The flat rate includes an administrative fee to cover the cost of administering the contracts.
“It’s very regulated. But it is possible and it’s done fairly often,” Crockett said.
Date posted: January 25, 2012
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