Private security cars branded with 'police' raise questions for some, provide peace of mind for

[@TexasLawdog]

Wait til Jeremy DeWitt gets a load of this....🤣🤣🤣

[@bdawg4231]

FREAKING LOL!!!!!!!!!!

[@homie-gtv322]

I want to give a load my supervisor. She's fine as fuck.

[@SALTYDEVIL]

Well these guys are real police officers working “Extra jobs”. And luckily for cops being off duty doesn’t mean they lose any of their authority. Jeremy Dewitt is NOT a cop however and just a poser.

[@TexasLawdog]

@@SALTYDEVIL According to the owner, 90 percent are real cops, the rest are faking...but who knows if 90 percent is accurate, and how do you know which are which? Just sayin....

[@blueindigo7690]

What does this have to do with that clown? Two completely different situations.

[@ki4nge4]

Jeremy DeWitte seen today renting a Uhaul and moving to St. Louis

[@briandfallon74]

Now that’s good 😂

[@AltDavidMiscavige]

Motor 1 will be splitting his time 50/50 between St. Louis and Orlando.

[@KingDavidtheRed1]

Only if he made bail...

[@ggworldwide619]

Gawd damn jeremy dewitte -always up to no good whereever he go

[@mlivelostmcs]

😂😂😂😂😂

[@znovosad555]

it’s not metro state so that’s all that matters

[@No_Signal12]

Lmao

[@idontno0]

Lmao

[@LosAngelesWeedSmoker]

"Pull the fuck over fuccboi!"

[@nearestyoutube]

Sergeant!

[@oz5wob3]

So, it's not official then?

[@JohnSmith-gb5vg]

Working for a private company yet having full city police jurisdictions without the over sight or restrictions. I see a nightmare for the people and a dream come true for the powers that be.

[@Thejeweler101]

There’s definitely oversight.

[@damianlopez3086]

Did you not hear that they are off duty police officers?

[@sargent1250]

@@damianlopez3086 they are not working for the city so they get no support from the city if things go down via lawyers. They are on their own with the company. That’s just how it works.

[@sargent1250]

@@Thejeweler101 yup. All company led. Nothing with the city

[@JohnSmith-gb5vg]

@@damianlopez3086 do you not understand "no oversight"

[@JoeDurobot]

*So they are actual police officers, off duty, yet in their official uniform, working for a private company.*

[@MrTaylorfenoglio]

It's extremely common. In fact probably every police and sheriff department does private security. Most Police officers will work off duty in uniform and in their police car. If you ever see a police or sheriff sitting in the parking lot of a shopping center they are most likely working private security.

[@whitsend11]

@@MrTaylorfenoglio Yes, but they are in Police Cars owned by the department and have accountability through the department. These cars are owned by a private company. Not sure about MO law, but in most states these cars are illegal for a very good reason.

[@MrTaylorfenoglio]

@@whitsend11 most states allow for private police on private property or comunity like this. There are many out there.

[@whitsend11]

@@MrTaylorfenoglio This is only the second time I've heard of a private police department. Here in Louisiana it would just be a private security company, with no arrest power other than making a citizen arrest. I'm not sure about private police departments, I need to learn more about them.

[@MrTaylorfenoglio]

@@whitsend11 Wikipedia - Private police are law enforcement bodies that are owned and/or controlled by non-governmental entities. Additionally, the term can refer to an off-duty police officer while working for a private entity, providing security, or otherwise law enforcement-related servic

[@shryve]

Will the City be held responsible when these employees mess up and cause a liability or criminal issue?

[@donovanc7795]

Yes they will!

[@343guardian4]

The city is likely paying the overtime for these off duty cops to operate. Hiring off duty cops can be quite expensive needless to say, how it works is the client pays the overtime to the city to have uniformed off duty police.

[@343guardian4]

@@blueindigo7690 Ok, I got my information from 3 years of experience working with off duty police officers for a security company. It may be different in other states, and cities.. But from my personal experience there's a lot more to these kind of things then what a few minutes of video really show.

[@343guardian4]

@@blueindigo7690 Cause I wondered how it worked as well, and that was the answer they gave me.

[@Johnyrocket70]

This is illegal. They will shoot someone then the city will say they aren't ours.

[@kaimanson3174]

The City's Finest : Employee of the Year goes to "Jeremy Dewitt"

[@unexploredpolars9751]

Not funny .

[@jeremydewitte5952]

thank you very much

[@ILoveStrongBlackMen]

@@unexploredpolars9751 it’s actually hilarious

[@zbruh7268]

No sht. Same exact thing he was doing.

[@benrosenberg3489]

I love that 70% of the comments are about Jeremy DeWitt! Lmfao

[@PANZERFAUST90]

who?

[@TheCarson116]

@@PANZERFAUST90 Infamous police impersonator, used to run a company called "Metro-State" who's sole purpose was to allow Jeremy & his friends to impersonate police, while masquerading as a funeral escort business. Also a registered sex offender & has committed numerous other crimes including insurance fraud. Has been incarcerated since sometime in October 2021.

[@PANZERFAUST90]

@@TheCarson116 lmao xD I think I remember that now.

[@OS10100]

When you lose your job/hours as a police officer due to the pandemic... start your own police department! That's thinking outside the box. LMFAO

[@painexotic3757]

sir this was in 2019

[@OS10100]

@@painexotic3757 lol. Oooops. :D

[@JohnWickkkk]

Who else came here for the comments 🙋

[@yaarn303]

@K Maxx how

[@jakeholden5246]

I too came to the comment section to see the comments.

[@Sprintervan1]

When you clicked on a video expecting another Jeremy DeWitte…

[@qbanz00]

Lol “the city’s finest”

[@marcelh.170]

They are state certified and it was cleared with the orlando airport division. You better figure it out! :D

[@Yeroc357]

LLC licensed

[@barrygrant2907]

Violation of 843.08 and 843.081 at a minimum.

[@WhosBusinessAnyways]

🤣🤣🤣

[@WhosBusinessAnyways]

Better figure it out 🤣🤣

[@XxSTGgamingxX]

I know what im allowed to do.

[@TakeTheBluePill]

See how long it takes for them to remove "POLICE" off the vehicles after the first public complaint against an employee is filed with the city 😄

[@DB-vq4fd]

The question is since they’re working off duty what and how much legal liability does their city or department have when a person files a lawsuit against that company? Because they all had to turn in paperwork for secondary employment and definitely get approval to wear their uniforms while performing those duties which leaves their agency in a legal dilemma. I foresee someone getting rich off this company and or city somewhere down the line.

[@FtanmoOfEtheirys]

I wonder what would happen if you owned a company called "POLICE" xD

[@Noone-rt6pw]

Well if those that pay their private police enough, you can be assured, they pay enough taxes where the city would be motivated to turn a blind eye. Where if you do not have money for an attorney, your rights as a citizen doesn't much matter.

[@DB-vq4fd]

@@Noone-rt6pw obviously you didn’t pay attention to the video at all. It’s a private security company using the title of police in St. Louis with off duty police officers doing patrol in their duty uniform which also leaves their department and city liable for their actions. That’s why most departments or Sheriff’s office don’t allow for that to happen. And if they were making as much as you think they are then the officers wouldn’t need to supplement their income.

[@Viggggggr]

Police = public Not private it’s illegal on a federal level but these cops don’t rat each other out -.-

[@smol_yote]

The fact that these people are off duty or retired police makes me more comfortable, I was shocked that they are even getting calls from police dispatchers

[@ocpofficialrep7026]

I can't wait til i start my cybersecurity job with OCP in detroit.

[@BillLaBrie]

“You’re fired”

[@moon172]

" Dead or Alive your coming with me"

[@anewf8724]

Robo cop theme music plays loud

[@roguestatus7]

I'll buy that for a Dollar!! 😆😆

[@ashtonsubedar123]

Your move creep!

[@kaiso7322]

"Yeah, so basically we have a shortage of officers in this city so we are going to make them work side jobs where they have to do the same job for less money and questionable legal justification to compensate for that." and the headlines cares about "POLICE" decals on cars? You should hire some real journalists. What a disgrace.

[@TheHxCBassist]

@@StephenKershaw1 they have authority anywhere in the state as they are certified police officers. On or off duty 🤣 Some people just dont get it and end up making things bad for themselves 🤦‍♂️

[@nightfury8440]

@@StephenKershaw1 He isn't wrong. They can arrest you on or off duty. And they are still cops. In uniform no less.

[@extremerc76]

A certification doesn’t make them officers.. it’s the fact that they are sworn.. which is where Jeremy Dewitt went wrong lol

[@danielf4136]

The city police has a shortage not because of officers, but because they cap the number on duty due to budget. Thats where these guys come in

[@FreelanceDev4life]

Complete legal justification under Missouri law (as it should be) and St. Louis. Also, probably more money.

[@straycat1674]

Whether actual active police officers are filling these roles in this company or not, I don't believe that Having the word police on these privately owned vehicles should be permitted.

[@ricolewis2949]

Exactly... impersonation

[@anthonyconzatti9575]

@@ricolewis2949....... am... am i delusional? i don't think cops can impersonate cops, considering they ARE cops.

[@anthonyconzatti9575]

why? if they are P O L I C E O F F I C E R S why cant they have the word police on their car? makes no sense.

[@straycat1674]

Anthony Conzatti for one, they say only 90% roughly of their employees are former or active police officers. A former police officer is no longer a cop. And at least no less than 10% who have never even been a cop. These are also privately owned vehicles by an individual company not a government jurisdiction. That means any non-active police officer that is riding in this vehicle with the word police on it, they are giving the general public via believe in opinion that they are active law-enforcement. That would be an actual crime. You cannot lead people on and believing you are an active police officer anymore than you can just outright try to deceive people that you were an active police officer. How do I know, I used to be a cop myself. So yes, active police riding in those vehicles would be legit. Former law-enforcement officers and those who have never held a position, would not. And the fact is these are privately owned vehicles by a company. Not a government organization such as local county town city or state

[@jeffs-reviews]

If a common citizen walks around wearing a jacklet that says Police he can get thrown in jail for impersonating a police officer. This security company is doing the same thing and getting away with it.

[@olindetroit7636]

Here in New York City, they are known as Pay Details. Police Officers hired by private companies for security. They have the same authority as police, but must follow strict guidelines given by the private company they work for. Liability insurance in case something goes wrong, the company are not responsible for any damage.

[@fionam3554]

and they can't be in uniform, and their cars do not say police. If they want to moonlight in soft clothes and cars either unmarked or marked security, fine. And if the city lets them say police, if I am a lawyer and anything happens, the city is part of the suit. They recognized them.

[@hemp64731]

This is how you start a police state, no legal policy's to abide by, still acting under the colors and not held accountable under the color of law doing that job. Wonder what the insurance is

[@Noone-rt6pw]

Where instituting another government than the one that is, it doesn't sound good. We already know how corrupt corporations are.

[@xCkillaxC]

This is what happens when the media portrays a narrative that “All cops bad” and people want them defunded. This is the result.

[@billyandersen8006]

Well one they are police officers so they are still held to a standard two private citizens and private security still have to abide by rules and laws buddy it’s not open season.

[@samuelrs5138]

And why are they 'not held accountable under the color of law'? That makes no sense. They don't suddenly have some diplomatic status while operating in this capacity.

[@hemp64731]

@@samuelrs5138 it's the same as if they had a second job as security. They can't be liable as an officer because they was doing another job. When they put on a badge and uniform, they are conducting themselves under that departments policies and acting under the color of law. Yes they are an peace officer 24 hours a day, just like anyone else out here is you are what you do. However, they are only under the color of law when it's their shift to work.

[@thejourney.within3]

well they're off duty officers in police security vehicles. No difference to me then any other law enforcement car.

[@Octopussyist]

Except that they are not doing police work - they do not respond to calls to the police. They do private security work and may even abuse police authority in that position.

[@benabadie7351]

@@Octopussyist did you watch this video? They said sometimes these respond to police calls when they are undermanned

[@Octopussyist]

@@benabadie7351 Yes, I heard that. What difference does that make? Police should be public, security companies private. It should not be that those who have money can buy more protection from the police than others. That is basically what is happening here.

[@lilpoopoo5626]

@@Octopussyist The neighborhood pays for it. This allowed on duty police to patrol more areas. If on duty officers want to go patrol the neighborhoods where the paid private security officers are at, they can, but that would be somewhat of a waste of manpower that may be needed somewhere else. Overall, this helps the community. The private officers can patrol the neighborhoods, whilst the on duty officers patrol else where.

[@Octopussyist]

@@lilpoopoo5626 That is the problem - the neghbourhood pays for police service that should be public. Basically they are abusing police as private security to serve a few people and not the publc. And there is too little distinction between police and private security. The next step is private police and the citizens are left at their mercy. Just like in the Middle Ages where the knights primarily served their lord and not the public. Or like the Mafia on Sicily in the 19th century. in the long run that is a sure way to fuck up confidence in the state and by that destroiying democracy.

[@meachymouse4978]

I was against all this at first, but when I heard the officers, are in fact police officers, I fully support this in every major city!!

[@omnia9348]

That's way worse than a government police.

[@ezznumo1883]

​@@omnia9348 You don't live here

[@DaLostProfit420]

“ we are police officers” .....just off duty

[@andrewm1676]

In most states officers have the same authority on and off duty when they’re in their jurisdiction

[@dlcblue50]

@@andrewm1676 in Texas it's anywhere in the state.

[@youngmind2003]

@@dlcblue50 Yep, in Texas an off duty officer has the same authority as an on duty officer. As well as anywhere in the state which is cool...

[@Zer0Mood]

@@andrewm1676 Especially if they have a take home car. If you're in that car running personal errands, which is allowed, you are expected to assist when hailed by a citizen.

[@luke7522]

Police have the same authority off duty as they do on duty.

[@em34ev3r]

Good, maybe this is a wake up call for local departments and the municipals that hire them to step up their police work and actually serve the community.. Anytime a govt agency fails, the private sector will always step in.

[@lololololol1496]

The st louis police does a fine job, they're just short on officers.

[@bondoly66]

Remember, YOU asked for it.

[@StanHowse]

@@lololololol1496 Lol oh yeah? Wanna take that back about now?

[@lololololol1496]

@@StanHowse why would I want to take it back?

[@StanHowse]

@@lololololol1496 George Floyd?

[@anyoneanywhere8212]

That sounds extremely illegal

[@nathanperrault4224]

What's illegal about it? they ARE POLICE officers just working Overtime. The citizens should actually be happy that more police are driving around. It helps reduce crime. Also these people aren't really responding to calls only if the actual department needs help. Nothing Illegal happening, they are all police officers helping out the community in uncertain times. Maybe if you stopped listening to what you are forced you will realize that cops are great people doing a job a lot of could never. they are putting there life's on the line defending us and the community. what would you rather? have some extra cops driving around deterring criminals? or have someone break into your house and kill you?

[@toast1012]

@@nathanperrault4224 they arent all cops though

[@tylerpashel1789]

How’s it illegal? Every university that has their own police department is private police department.

[@nathanperrault4224]

@@toast1012 yes they are

[@GregoryCunningham]

@@tylerpashel1789 You need to understand your own argument. Campus Police are *100%* Sworn Officers....

[@superdebator]

I live in Montreal, Canada. Our province (Quebec) doesn't allow police officers to be security guard and vice-versa at the same time due to possible conflict of interest. It's a good idea. Either you work as a cop or you work as a security guard.

[@anthonyguzman5685]

Metro state is on a whole different level

[@PANZERFAUST90]

as opposes to a partial different level?

[@benrosenberg3489]

I understand that they are 90% cops but how is that other 10% legally allowed to respond to actual 911 calls when they don't technically have authority over the situation?

[@KimJungDwayne]

None of this seems legal. How do they have any authority while off duty. Better yet how does a private contacted security company have law enforcement authority? To me this seems like illegal use of police insignia

[@TheTrigga4200]

@@KimJungDwayne it is illegal use of police insignia, but counter common belief police do retain all powers while off duty within the state they are so sworn in.

[@justintime753]

Exactly

[@FreelanceDev4life]

admin?

[@tobedetermined4180]

Jeremy Dewitt should move to this town

[@marine102192]

Why? He wouldn’t get hired

[@big7491]

punisher logo corny as fuck dude

[@koltc4598]

How are complaint handled with "off-Duty, but on-duty privately" situations?

[@nocoolname32]

so, the 10% that aren't off duty police officers, can charges be filed against them for "impersonating a police officer"?

[@emailaccount7240]

The 10% aren't the ones that are patrolling

[@nocoolname32]

@@emailaccount7240 how would i verify that? i didn't hear any such info in the video.

[@toast1012]

@@nocoolname32 they are democrats and are above the law!

[@TheHxCBassist]

So little old office lady answering the phone should be charged? You're fucking dumb. The PD guys have the "Police" branded cars. Other security guys have cars that say "Security". How fucking hard is that to understand?

[@Nebarus]

Here is a crazy idea: Hire some more real cops for the money now given to a private company?

[@anthonyconzatti9575]

well blm and democrats want to defund them so.... this is what we get. police agency can no longer afford to hire new officers or upkeep their equipment

[@nathanperrault4224]

This is different Because only some neighborhoods want it and they pay for it instead of everyone in the city. And they are not usually responding to 911 calls unless the department needs help from the off duty officers. end of the day it saves the tax payers money

[@nightfury8440]

@Bea Ghost Because the actual police dept cannot do that in today's world

[@GameAndFish]

It's an odd position. I wouldn't stop unless it's a government agency pulling you over. Being officially policed with the possibility of being issued legal citations by a private company by an off duty officer sounds like an easy way to get issues dismissed and create more issues

[@Mo-hd1lb]

Cool you wont stop, your just gonna end up getting pit manuvered and then have on duty cops arrest you and give the off duty cops a high five. Regardless if there off duty there still sworn officers most officers in the US Carry standard issued weapons and pistols sooo.... your choice if you wanna evade.

[@GameAndFish]

@@Mo-hd1lb you have a bit to learn friend.

[@ReptileInformer]

....if they're working for the private agency they're not "off duty" they're on duty certified and trained police officers. If you were to evade you would receive the same reaction of it was a city officer. thats like saying an EMT that works for the fire department isnt an EMT during his shift on a commercial ambulance.

[@GameAndFish]

@@ReptileInformer I remember when I didn't I understand the public sector

[@Robloxiewood]

Some off duty police rig their cars with lights, and sirens and still do traffic stops in their personal vehicles and issue city traffic violations. How would this be much different? I'm certain they aren't gonna write you bogus company tickets lol. I'm certain they have their city issued ticket book on hand.

[@D__Lee]

The legal liability quagmire that this create if this "private" police force is accused of a false arrest, an injury, a vehicle accident, a shooting, etc. I would not want to be the insurance risk manager if that happens.

[@napalmstickylikeglue]

That's often an overlooked thing. even if the so called off duty officers are working for a private company... They are using the equipment and uniforms that is issued by the municipality. In turn giving people the impression that they are under the employee of that municipality while they were technically under the employee of a private company. If one of these idiots end up in a shooting or an accident while wearing the uniform of that municipality.. that municipality can technically be held liable. Even if they blatantly stayed there working a private gig. I know quite a few departments that do not allow moonlighting, and most of the reason has to do with the liability if they give permission for officers to do private security while representing them.

[@FreelanceDev4life]

It's actually not a thing. The courts have (in many many many cases) wrongly said that departments are not liable for their officers off duty unless some very specific conditions are met. Also Missouri law allows it, and St. Louis City authorized the company to work there. Because you can't even have a security company in STL unless the company is registered with the city and the city approves the gear, training, uniform, cars, etc. So, long story short, the company is a gold mine.

[@RespawnRestricted]

The thing is they have 0 right to detain you or even touch you whatsoever they don't carry any authority over you when they are off duty

[@libtard.4844]

True I but I bet they act like they do. Im sure something will go wrong with this eventually and I hope they get sued this shouldn't be legal.

[@Keenan716]

not true at all, they are certified law enforcement officers by the state. they don't lose credentials when they clock out bro lol. If you are committing a crime they have the authority to stop you and that shouldn't bother you lol

[@libtard.4844]

@@Keenan716 not all of them where ever cops and some of them are retired cops i don't know what people are debating if you or I pretended to be a cop that would be a felony. Hope they get sued imagine someone coming at you pretending to be a cop but isn't. And he is right cops hold no authority when off duty its basically a citizens arrest.

[@Keenan716]

@@libtard.4844 they are contracted by the police department. Sort of like Auxiliary police. It isn’t a big of deal as people make it seem.

[@ladydragon7777]

@@Keenan716 when they are out of uniform and off the clock they have no legal lawful authority whatsoever.

[@BoonClown]

Should say “police” with the quotes on the side

[@PANZERFAUST90]

why? Are they quoting someone?

[@valkyrie5972]

Why? They’re cops though, just off-duty

[@HASSON454]

well guess what, since they're moonlighting, if brought to charges they have no qualified immunity since they're no different than a security guard working for a private company

[@sargent1250]

Correct

[@napalmstickylikeglue]

Actually it's even better... Because even though they are admittedly working for a private company.. the municipality that they work with are allowing them to use their uniforms and their gear to conduct their security services. Which actually opens them up for civil lawsuits.....with no immunity.

[@nightfury8440]

@@napalmstickylikeglue Strange. This happens all across the country and no one has actually won a law suit involving this issue.

[@napalmstickylikeglue]

@@nightfury8440 really? There are private companies driving around in private vehicles that have the word police on them, simply because most of the time off duty law enforcement occupy the vehicles, while the off dutylaw enforcement officers are wearing full uniform, and duty gear provided by their departments......? Care to provide some examples? Or are you talking out of your rear end? Because quite a few municipalities have policies against moonlighting as Security in their police uniform while using their equipment as it opens up liability to them. If what you're saying is the case, then we need a nationwide crackdown on it. Misuse of government/municipality equipment that is paid for by the taxpayers, which results in law enforcement using their positions and advantages to gain private employment, should not be reality in this country.

[@SouthernGospelMusic]

as long as there are cops there’s literally no problem with this. They’re not going to be pulling people over this is solely for shopper safety.

[@NightCrawler810]

I bet money those cars will pull somebody over for traffic you just watch lol remember they are still cops thinking like cops and acting like cops this may turn out bad in some cases but not saying I’m against it just not impressed less just say

[@michaelstout3775]

There’s many problems with this. They are not police vehicles, they are privately contracted. And the company name makes this even more misleading, again, these cops are off duty and their mission pivots from when they are on duty. Private security does just that, security, while police enforce any laws within their jurisdiction. And 10% aren’t cops at all

[@Unknown-Unknown.]

What's the big deal?.. they're still Police.... Duhh

[@GregoryCunningham]

God, I wish I could be this stupid, sure must be nice.

[@evanveres7483]

@@GregoryCunningham joke /jōk/ Learn to pronounce noun a thing that someone says to cause amusement or laughter, especially a story with a funny punchline.

[@GregoryCunningham]

@@evanveres7483 It can google, look at that.

[@evanveres7483]

@@GregoryCunningham indeed it can. ;)

[@top_hat_walrus1860]

@@GregoryCunningham off duty police still have police authority

[@MNDashcam]

In St Paul Minnesota the policy for active police officers is that they have full police authority on and off duty anytime they are in the city of St Paul and they are required to carry their weapon with them at all times. Now I think it crosses the line where a private security company is representing themselves as actual police officers even if they are when they are at a different job.

[@walterholder6077]

Cant do that in Canada at all. It is illegal everyone gets a charge.

[@av8tor261]

Not in Nova Scotia..........(wink)

[@fredericom2650]

@@av8tor261 Seriously, and just yesterday it happened in Vancouver. edit: i meant to say i saw yesterday that it happened in vancouver. the incidents happened in late jan early feb.

[@av8tor261]

@@fredericom2650 Is there a news link?

[@PANZERFAUST90]

Well no one gives a fuck about CanaDUH.

[@ReaperPwnsGhost]

I'm happy this is illegal in my state.

[@sargent1250]

It should be in every state.

[@nathanperrault4224]

Why? you should want this. It gives an illution of higher police presents to deter criminals.

[@PANZERFAUST90]

@@nathanperrault4224 because they're criminals....

[@nathanperrault4224]

@@PANZERFAUST90 How? They are Police Officers that are just off duty

[@PANZERFAUST90]

@@nathanperrault4224 I'm saying the ones who oppose this are criminals.

[@mdarks4117]

In Canada, it’s a no Go. It’s either you are Police, Peace Officer/ Special Constable (police powers in jurisdiction & most have no firearm), By Law, or Security. Even some Boarder Services Officers had been carrying firearms in fairly recent years.

[@slappy8941]

Boarder service? A boarder is someone who stays at a boarding house.

[@mdarks4117]

@@slappy8941 missed the auto correct (Border) 😉

[@juliogonzo2718]

If there is a shortage of police, why is there enough of them free to moonlight? This makes no sense

[@blueindigo7690]

This actually works out better for the officers and the taxpayers.

[@John-yf5ue]

Jeremy demands to speak with the sergeant!!!

[@angry_zergling]

I know in Las Vegas the casinos routinely hire off duty police to do security; both in the properties themselves and on the strip. Thing is, they're using their police issued equipment, radio frequencies, and (here's the part I don't like as a tax payer) their vehicles. Twenty, thirty, forty LVMPD patrol cars will be tied up all night doing private work, putting miles on the vehicles for off-duty cops to go to and from off-duty jobs, and taking the wear and tear of driving on/being on the streets and interacting with the public. That I don't like. Can a UPS driver take his truck after work and make pizza deliveries with it? Nope. Those vehicles cost money to operate and (in the case of police who work at night) could be used for on-duty stuff. As a taxpayer I don't like footing the bill for the expense associated with a police officer's unofficial side-job, y'know? Hiring cops for security and having the private company supply the vehicles, though? That seems totally okay. A cop is a cop whether on-duty or not and has the right to work security - just don't tie up and wear down public assets for private gain.

[@ixlr8395]

Totally agree.Our local police are allowed to work extra jobs but they cannot use city owner vehicles. I’ve even seen school district police vehicles working traffic construction jobs...and that school districts in not even in our county...that’s wrong!

[@aprescoups4593]

I live in Vegas and this is accurate. It was odd to hear the whole thing casinos do

[@Vandicoup]

Damn, amen to all of this! Couldn't have said it better myself!! I feel that this is a perfectly reasonable set of concerns brought forth in both a professional and cordial way. Very well-crafted comment! :D

[@quackhead8938]

I do this in another state. I worked at a city police department first. The company I work for does security for government buildings, museums, and schools. They discourage us from actually arresting people because the main reason we are contracted by these types of businesses is so the crime stats appear lower so they draw more business. There are troopers, deputies, and police, that most people are familiar with. They have statewide, countywide, and citywide jurisdiction. Company police are sworn LEO that go through the same police training and requirements but the jurisdiction is just the property of the site they work for. I think only a handful of states actually allow company police which is why this may be confusing, especially if you are in a state where they do not allow it. There will likely be more company police in the future as actual police continue to have their funding cut because of politics.

[@ki4nge4]

EVERYONE KNOWS JEREMY DEWITTE... if you haven't heard of him your home address is... #1 Under a Rock st.

[@PANZERFAUST90]

who?

[@343guardian4]

As long as the people driving the vehicles are Off duty cops, idc... collages have their own police, rail roads have their own police, so think people making a big deal over nothing..

[@dawg338]

Collage and Railroad police are actual certified police who are trained and certified and work as police with police powers, mall security aren’t. That’s fine if 90% of this security company are off duty cops, but it is still a security company masquerading as real police. If they want to be just like collages and railroad cops, they should do it the right way, not by trying to fake their way through. The company name is even misleading, “The City’s Finest”? It’s all designed to avoid certain ways of doing things the right way.

[@343guardian4]

@@dawg338 Well, we as the people like taking advantages of the loopholes in the laws, why do we flip out when the police do it? We need to ask ourselves, how long has this security company been around doing what they do? I'm certain the owner looked into the laws of what he could, and couldn't do before hand at some point with this idea. If what they are doing is clearly against the law, then why are they still up and running? There is more to these things then just small news stories, and public controversy that you see on the internet made live because people wanna find something to bitch about. If what they are doing complies with the laws, and city codes... Whatever...

[@343guardian4]

To sum up my previous statements, If there's an issue with this, and company is still running today, then it's not the company that is the problem. It's the laws currently in this city/state that allow this to be a problem.. Since they haven't been shut down yet, then what they are doing must not be technically against the law as many of us seem to think.

[@343guardian4]

Judging by the amount of cars I see in this video, and work these guys are doing, I am gonna safely assume this company has been up, and running for a while even before this news story was made.

[@Thejeweler101]

@@dawg338 all of the officers in this company are trained and certified police officers that work for the city. They work for this company part time

[@darthmaul9911]

If it isn’t police and they have police logo it’s impersonating point blank literally anyone else would get charged. Doesn’t matter if they’re employed by the city on different regards.

[@nightfury8440]

The police can't impersonate the police. It's really fucking simple.

[@darthmaul9911]

@@nightfury8440 when they are employed as security and not police and claiming police then is that not impersonating regardless if they are under oath on a separate regard and they said some were off duty cops not all so not even everyone is under oath from a police precinct so not that simple

[@darthmaul9911]

@@nightfury8440 but we can let you think whatever while they arrest u cupcake

[@kerrykrishna]

This is like two dimensions getting not only mixed up, but also being acknowledged by both realties as real. . How absolutely amazing.How the heck would Insurance work for the off duty cops it there was a shooting with the officer's gun while he was operating as 'The City's Finest' ??? What kind of loophole allowed this? All that said, it is pretty cool that the police presence is there over such an increased area.

[@TheDoug2103]

i cant even begin to list the number of ethics, professional, administrative, and conformity standards this kind of thing can cause. they are cops for the city, not for private entities. in fact, i guaranty the local states attorney handles anything they do as a citizens arrest. this is a line that real officers dont cross and smart chiefs and cities dont allow.

[@Robloxiewood]

The likely reason the Director requested "traffic safety" to be removed rather then police because this is kinda a grey area subject... I dont know the laws in Saint Lewis, however I don't think these vehicles would be used to conduct normal routine traffic stops and what not...As for the police decals my personal opinion I honestly don't care, as long as everyone driving them are certified law enforcement.

[@clcoghlan]

This should be very concerning to citizens there and extremely illegal

[@nathanperrault4224]

What's illegal about it? they ARE POLICE officers just working Overtime. The citizens should actually be happy that more police are driving around. It helps reduce crime. Also these people aren't really responding to calls only if the actual department needs help. Nothing Illegal happening, they are all police officers helping out the community in uncertain times. Maybe if you stopped listening to what you are forced you will realize that cops are great people doing a job a lot of could never. they are putting there life's on the line defending us and the community. what would you rather? have some extra cops driving around deterring criminals? or have someone break into your house and kill you?

[@frankyflowers]

if the hired cops beat me can i still sue the city or does it have to be the neighborhood or both?

[@enigmax2944]

Giving people a false sense of security to a new level

[@thecloneguyz]

Literally "Impersonating A Police Officer"

[@Ryvucz]

Except, they are Police Officers.

[@darthkillerhog]

Dumbass they are officers

[@denniscrider3776]

A cop cant really impersonate a cop. Put the pipe down.

[@aesud155]

So how high is ur iq?

[@darthkillerhog]

@@aesud155 His is well below average

[@awilson72]

Off duty assignments within your service area/ jurisdiction are legit. Ours just use their regular patrol vehicle though even if they are paid by, say, Walmart. These jobs usually pay more and are easy overtime.

[@ixlr8395]

Using city property for your own benefit/gain is wrong. That’s like using a city owned tractor to dig a swimming pool or retention pond on your property. IMO. Our local police are allowed to work extra jobs but they can’t use city owned property

[@549BR]

What sort of nimrod police chief would tolerate or sanction this goofy operation? Wait 'till that private company gets hit with a huge lawsuit, and the city could be named as a defendant as well. Whole thing is beyond stupid.

[@barrettolsen1622]

Private police for the neighborhoods that pay. Before they assist you they will have to call in to make sure your premiums are all paid in full.

[@lewispoole9902]

So if they're sworn officers who cares?

[@GregoryCunningham]

Intelligent people?

[@Thejeweler101]

@@GregoryCunningham clearly that’s not you

[@wattsxtime4931]

@@Thejeweler101 clearly not you

[@simply_diecast_3349]

Technically they are sworn officers, but if you are working part time as security you must obtain a guard card off course not drive with police logo vechile that's how it works in California maybe other states have a different policy, infact at Dodger stadium you have active and retired Peace officers working as security, those active cops are security and by law they must have a guard card. This is just an example how it works in California regardless where you are working as security.

[@Thejeweler101]

If you are a sworn officer then you are exempt from having a guard card

[@wattsxtime4931]

@@Thejeweler101 umm if you work as a guard they must have a guard card in California

[@capitolemiproducer]

Don't know what the laws are, but in California the word police can only be used on municipal or state owned vehicles.

[@GregoryCunningham]

Most States restrict these words for good reason. I guess Missouri is far more corrupt than we thought.

[@leonblittle226]

The county sheriff should arrest everyone involved in this garbage.

[@itsok6640]

" we learned they are police officers"

[@John-pr6sw]

I’ve seen some private police forces more professional then government funded police. For example, co-op city in the Bronx, NYC, is a private armed police force branded with a department of public safety logo and are New York State certified peace officers allowed to make warrant less arrests and issued tickets. They’re extremely professional.

[@FreelanceDev4life]

Exactly, they don't have the same liability protection as the government (which under the 1st amendment shouldn't have any), so they have to be far far more careful.

[@jamesvanderbeak3487]

If I start a security company can I put police on my car? Also if they make a false arrest do I sue the city or the company?

[@GregoryCunningham]

If you have a friend in the City Counsel, sure why not. You'll also be able to charge double and triple the rate of what the average pay for a sworn officers gets. Isn't this Country amazing!

[@johnshaft5613]

Anyone who doesn't see the potential problems and conflicts of interest with this arrangement, either does not understand law enforcement, or is not thinking it through hard enough. Bad, bad idea here.

[@SuperGreatSphinx]

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Law_enforcement

[@Robloxiewood]

I dont see the conflict of interest? This is a private security company? All tools the officers use are still issued by the city, including their ticket books. So if anything its helping the city increase presence and saving them money for these officers, since the company, and clients are paying for them, and not the city. (I worked for a private security company that hired full uniformed off duty police officers, our company did have to pay the city for their "overtime" so it's not exactly cheap to hire an off duty police officer)

[@johnshaft5613]

@@Robloxiewood Let's say you are a police officer, and have five kids. They need to go to college, so you get a part time assignment working off duty. You grow to depend on the extra income. Now, lets say the you see someone speeding, or maybe drunk driving, or beating their wife. Who knows? You investigate, and find out the suspect in these offenses is the head of the neighborhood HOA and is the one who employs you in your off-duty "rent a cop" assignment. Are you going to tell me this person would not expect, and 99% of the time get, special/preferential treatment? Or say this HOA official who employs you wants you to pull over/harass a certain person and find violations because he doesn't like him/thinks he is screwing his wife/you name it. When you are working as a peace officer in an off-duty capacity, are you beholding to your oath as a peace officer, or to the private citizen who hired you? You can pretend these scenarios have simple answers, but deep down you know they do not. It is the same reason why police are government employees, and thinking people are terrified of the notion of "private" police as in "OCP". Actual peace officers working in official capacity are much more immune to these influences because they are protected by civil service rules for precisely this reason. If he/she sees the chief of police committing a crime, the officer is protected from losing their job if they still do their duty and make the citation/arrest. Typically the people I see pretending this scenario has no conflict of interest issues are the ones benefiting financially from it.

[@Robloxiewood]

@@johnshaft5613 Is this on a related scenario if the Mayer, or Chief of police were to commit an offense that you reported to? Its gonna turn into the same relative conflict. I'd expect the same treatment if it was the client in the area in which you were protecting. Either way its possible you will be threatened with termination either person you try to investigate.

[@johnshaft5613]

@@Robloxiewood You clearly didn't read everything I wrote (yes, I can be long-winded). Civil service protects peace officers from termination for doing their jobs were it the mayor or chief. No such protection exists from being fired from their rent-a-cop gig in a wealthy neighborhood.

[@thysenb]

Nothing wrong with this. 90% of the employees are police officers. lol

[@somthingimportants]

Pay roll, accounts payable, etc... jobs like that don’t need to be police officers

[@GregoryCunningham]

@@mrbond9882 You're just *ass*uming that's the case.

[@officersbell]

this just screams reckless to me. Who in gods name authorized them to use cars marked police? What happens if one of these off-duty officers shoots someone? Are they considered a police officer? But they're off-duty? What happens if an officer is accused of misconduct while operating privately? Does the real police department investigate? This is a fucking nightmare waiting to happen.

[@toringepedersen9614]

One thing that puzzles me; he said they're there to close the gap the lack of police officers are leaving in the city? But he is using police officers that are already employed by the city?

[@napalmstickylikeglue]

That's because it's nothing more than a way for police officers to get paid more while still retaining their power over the people.

[@yecyec3927]

SO 2 PAYCHECKS AT TAX PAYERS EXPENSE , GOOD HUSTLE.

[@rpereira7735]

Yeah, it's called secondary employment, most cops need to work a 2nd job or a lot of overtime. Also the whole "we pay your salary thing" is so overrated, we all literally pay each other's salary. If we never shopped or bought anything you wouldn't have a job either. Not sure what the problem is as long as the cop actually works the hours and does the job.

[@FaithAcrosstheWorldyago]

Its better to go to them than your democratic leaders pockets.

[@FaithAcrosstheWorldyago]

@@rpereira7735 yeah, I agree.

[@Thejeweler101]

Your tax dollars aren’t paying for private security companies lol

[@drumset09]

St Louis was ahead of the curve. Y'all wanted to defund police; Here ya go!

[@qbanz00]

Yeah but they’re literally the SAME PEOPLE...just operating off duty ...that’s not defund anything ...it’s extra SIDE MONEY

[@drumset09]

@@qbanz00 They created a security company for rich neighborhoods to have presence. Defunding the police will just create a void where private security companies will be hired by rich neighborhoods, like in the news story - or did you not watch the whole thing?

[@qbanz00]

@@drumset09 I don’t think you understand that defund the police doesn’t mean TAKE COPS OFF THE STREETS. Jesus ...you’re missing the entire point.

[@drumset09]

@@qbanz00 If they are defunded, then the officers can't get paid their wages, because there aren't any funds. Would you go to work for free, especially when it feels like the entire country thinks you're doing a shit job?

[@vovin8132]

@@drumset09 hmm gee do ya think that there would be a problem with publicly-funded police working a second private-police gig for the rich?

[@rokerdude215]

That is straight up impersonation of an officer

[@nightfury8440]

They are the officers... they can't impersonate themselves

[@johnnyhernandez3703]

How do you fill the void when you are using the same police officers

[@DENIEL381]

WHAT EVER IT TAKES TO TAKE CRIMINALS OFF THE STREET AND PUT THEM IN JAIL.

[@RoadDawgLife]

a very large number of criminals aren't on the streets. they work in offices.

[@GregoryCunningham]

I'd hire a security force just to arrest people who ALWAYS TYPE IN CAPS.

[@TotesMAGoats69]

Why do I automatically thing of Jeremy!

[@PANZERFAUST90]

I don't know. Why _do_ you *thing* of Jeremy?

[@idk-ir6vv]

Cops don't have the same authority when they are off duty though.

[@LordOfNothingham]

Why don’t the city just hire more police or approve overtime. I think somebody has a kickback coming on city council.

[@GregoryCunningham]

It's a great hussle, get paid 2-3x your wage for considerably less work. Would not be surprised at all if many of these Officers went part-time with the City to increase their hours with "The City's Finest."

[@Authentic_og]

Who pays for these services?? As security guards do they only have power of arrest at the places they're paid to patrol? Why are they driving on public roads pretending to be police? Other security companies can't act this way outside their place of business so what makes these guys different??

[@gilbobtv3999]

they are police? did you even watch the video :/

[@Efgarcia-yu9zi]

You need to watch the video 🙄...some are actually sworn police officers, THATS WHY THEY CAN USE RED/BLUE lights and add POLICE to the vehicles. There NOT PRETENDING. Other companies are NOT OFF DUTY POLICE OFFICERS.

[@Efgarcia-yu9zi]

They can even respond to a near by call if no units available or minutes away.

[@Authentic_og]

@@Efgarcia-yu9zi key word ,"some" and some isn't good enough. Some doesn't make it okay. How many are some. Do you trust this police, security company to give accurate stats on how many are some..... It's like saying I'm a cop, I got idea I'll get a few of my mates and start a company and cause I'm a cop they can pretend to be cops too.... Just saying ✌🏼

[@Efgarcia-yu9zi]

Sym de Bourne 1 WELL you will distinguish them the VIDEO SAYS 90% are police officers and SHOWS them wearing there Police Department Uniforms, if they aren’t it’s obviously simple they won’t drive the Police Vehicles... but it looks like they only hire Sworn Officers, you really need to watch the video 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@koolerpure]

doing a full circle now, this is exactly how the police became a thing

[@Lincolnator721]

I'm not sure if this is comparable, but my city used to have a private city bus company, and they went bankrupt because it was too expensive to repair the city buses and pay a decent wage to the city bus mechanics. Currently, we have the best transportation system in the whole state of Michigan that is majorly funded by the federal government. How's this "private security police force" doing financially-wise?

[@MNDashcam]

I literally saw a crown Vic with a light bar pass by yesterday that had "Five-0" in big black letters across its white doors. probably just a joke and nothing to do with anything but that dude's straddling a fine line.

[@dontbestupid6664]

There is no law enforcement agency that goes by “5-0,” so no law is being broken.

[@MNDashcam]

@@dontbestupid6664 there is also no law enforcement agency that goes by Metro State..

[@michaelpatterson5385]

Yeah, what could possibly go wrong?

[@nathanperrault4224]

it's not different from an off duty officer jut walking around and seeing something illegal happening they still have power to arrest you.

[@GregoryCunningham]

Delta City here we come.

[@simplywonderful449]

Why should taxpayers - who ALREADY PAY FOR POLICE SERVICES - be paying more for PRIVATE SECURITY as well? Seems like the mayor and city council isn't properly using the tax dollars, since it likely costs MORE to hire this company to be cops as well. And are the company's officers covered by "qualified immunity" when something goes wrong, and they shoot or injure someone as normal police often do? This seems like an under--the-table deal!

[@msoda8516]

So a private company with the power of police without oversight...

[@Eric_Bassett]

This is why "defund the police" as a blanket statement does not make sense. Look at st louis with its shortage of officers.. look how the private sector moves in just like that. People will always want protection in a 1st world country. Id much prefer to have the municipality patrolling the streets than a private company.

[@caryramsey1565]

Before hearing the story i was think omg i can’t believe the city is allowing this craziness. But after hearing it i believe it’s just fine. Their all swore police officers driving the vehicles so i don’t see anything wrong. You would like for them to have “Police” on their vehicle then be driving around in unmarked vehicles and have no clue who’s behind the wheel. ⚫️🔵⚫️

[@Aaron-lc8nf]

Respectfully disagree. Although they are retired/off duty cops, most private security contractors workforce is like that. Police is misleading because they don't have to same authority all the time. they say 90% were police, so what about the other 10% that can't make legal arrests... And likely more like 40-50% can't because not all of them are current members of the force. I think a security company's logo is intimidating enough, they just need to design a better logo

[@Authentic_og]

@@Aaron-lc8nf I'm in complete agreement with you...... This kind of nonsense will just cause confusion......✌🏼

[@Robloxiewood]

@@Aaron-lc8nf I worked in a private security company that hired off duty police officers for work. I'd imagine that only the sworn police officers are driving the cars. You gotta think in that 90% of cops, they probably have employees for other reasons, like setting up cameras for business's or security dispatch, or people for corporate positions. I'd imagine that that 10% of civilians are people in corporate positions, taking care of clients, not in the field. I could go get a job working as a police dispatcher and not be a sworn police officer. Many security companies establish a base of operations, and sometimes they do this at their biggest client site (our company had a site where we would go into this room and there was over 100 Security camera monitors inside, this was considered our dispatch office, where they could contact any Security officer at any location and either move them, or pass along additional info. I know i probably said a bit much, but I just wanted to break this kinda thing down.

[@danvetor1365]

When there is excessive force used or abuse of powers the city is still responsible for their actions. The city is allowing the to operate and contracting them!

[@WICKEDMAN85]

Only in America could this happen!! Over the seas in the UK, never would this be allowed to happen!! Private Police service is a very scary reality in America!

[@truth6323]

I have no problem with this.

[@GregoryCunningham]

You have no intelligence.

[@truth6323]

@@GregoryCunningham you have no cooth

[@GregoryCunningham]

@@truth6323 You really can't see any issues with private security taking over policing functions for a city? Really? It doesn't take much imagination.

[@GregoryCunningham]

@Thecarkid 11 Because the motivations are different. For a private company, profit is its guiding principal. One would hope that for Law Enforcement, that isn't the case. This isn't anything new dude, hence all the Robocop related comments. It's facism lite.

[@truth6323]

@@GregoryCunningham off-duty police officers while working a second job are not entitled to qualified immunity according to the ninth circuit if they screw up they will not have the protection they do while they're on duty. This is why I don't have a problem.

[@farque1000]

Cars branded with "Police" raise questions for some, Don't DeWitt

[@JDMcNeil]

Off duty, in full police uniform wile answering police calls in police vehicles that's not police vehicles that can detain and arrest, using full police authority with full legal and liability protection backed by the police department. what can go wrong ?

[@Zer0Mood]

Ok, so they're basically Special Police Officers is what I'm gathering from this. When you are hired by a security firm as a police officer, it's usually known as a Special Police Officer. You're security with arrest authority since you're certified.

[@irayz2677]

Copy right. If it ain’t. I’ll put it on my car.

[@SuperGreatSphinx]

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Car

[@rarelibra]

that's a bit of a corporate/government crossover ... I bet a lawyer could tear them up

[@FreelanceDev4life]

Trust me, not in Missouri. It doesn't violate the state constitution (or federal really). The way it should be. Unfortunately, Cities here often finds ways to work this to their profit at the cost of their constituents.

[@KnightRider1983]

In Ohio, you can have Private Police but need to have authority of the jurisdiction you are in. For instance, Cedar Point is a private amusement park in Sandusky. Cedar Point has its own PD because its literally its own city due to population with visitors. The City of Sandusky authorizes the private company to have a police force. They also assist Sandusky PD on runs surrounding the park. However, in Ohio you can not run your own private security company using the words "POLICE."

[@simpleandawesomeanime3220]

They should change it to City Security or something instead of Police, does the same thing in my opinion.

[@DBR00]

That reporter, Alexis is adorable. She is so pretty.