Residents, businesses, and religious institutions in Port Richey have the opportunity to hire off-duty police officers to ensure safety and maintain order during their events. Off-duty officers provide a strong security presence and help prevent incidents before they occur.
This service is especially useful for community events, private parties, religious functions, or business-related gatherings where additional safety is desired. This article explains the complete procedure to request an off-duty officer, the responsibilities of the hiring party, and all important conditions. Stay tuned with us.
Table of Contents
Requesting an Off-Duty Officer
Citizens, Business Owners, and Religious Institutions
- Allowed to request off-duty officers for private or public events.
- Suitable for security needs during events of all sizes.
Point of Contact
- Requests must be directed to the Port Richey Police Department (PRPD) Administrative Assistant.
- The Administrative Assistant provides full guidance on the process and paperwork.
Rates and Payment Policy
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Hourly Rate | $38.00 per hour per officer |
| Minimum Hours Required | 3 hours |
| Minimum Total Cost | $114.00 per officer (3 hours x $38.00) |
| Overtime Pay | Required if the officer works beyond the booked time |
| Early Release by Host | No cost reduction; full hours must be paid |
Financial Responsibilities of Hiring Party
Scheduled Time Commitment
- Full payment is required for all scheduled hours, even if the officer is dismissed early.
Overtime Coverage
- Additional hours beyond the original booking must be paid in full at the same hourly rate.
Cancellation Terms
- Cancellations must be communicated at least 24 hours before the start time.
- If not cancelled within this period, a minimum fee for 3 hours ($114.00 per officer) is still charged.
Important Hiring Conditions
- Only PRPD Officers may be requested for off-duty assignments.
- No refund or waiver is given if the hiring party changes their plans without proper notice.
- Cancellations by PRPD due to emergencies or inability to assign officers do not incur charges for the hiring party.
- Liability for payment remains entirely with the individual or group requesting the service.
Examples of Suitable Events
| Event Type | Reason for Requesting Officer |
|---|---|
| Business Grand Opening | To manage crowds and parking |
| Religious Ceremonies | To ensure peace and traffic control |
| Private Parties or Celebrations | To handle large groups and prevent disturbances |
| Festivals or Fairs | To maintain public safety and monitor activity |
| School or Sports Events | To supervise and respond to emergencies |
Steps to Request an Officer
The steps to be followed to make a request for the officer are given below.
- Step 1: Contact the PRPD Administrative Assistant.
- Step 2: Provide event details, including location, date, start and end times, and type of event.
- Step 3: Confirm the number of officers needed and agree to payment terms.
- Step 4: Receive confirmation of officer availability.
- Step 5: Submit payment and be prepared for full compensation for scheduled hours.
What the Hiring Party Should Prepare
Before the Event
- An accurate schedule and clear communication of expectations
- Parking space for the officer, if needed
- Location layout if multiple officers are required
During the Event
- A point of contact to communicate with the officer(s)
- Updates on any changes in timing or requirements
After the Event
- Compensation for any extra hours worked
- Notification if additional services are needed in the future
Conditions Where Payment Is Not Required
| Situation | Liability of Hiring Party |
|---|---|
| PRPD cannot assign officer(s) | No payment required |
| Officer(s) canceled due to an emergency | No payment required |
| Cancellation made 24+ hours in advance | No payment required |
Key Responsibilities of the Hiring Party
- Respect all legal obligations related to payment.
- Inform PRPD of changes as early as possible.
- Ensure clear communication on event safety expectations.
- Accept and honor all scheduled time commitments.
Contact Information
| Department | Details |
|---|---|
| Port Richey Police Department | Off-Duty Officer Request |
| Contact Person | PRPD Administrative Assistant |
| Purpose | To manage, guide, and approve officer requests |
| Required Information | Date, time, location, event type, payment info |
The Bottom Line
Hiring an off-duty officer through the Port Richey Police Department helps maintain order and provides peace of mind during events. The process is simple, with fair rates and clear guidelines. Responsible planning, proper notice for cancellations, and respect for the officers’ time make the service effective and smooth for everyone involved. Security becomes more reliable when trusted law enforcement officers are part of the event team.
