Is it true that some security guards at sporting events are off duty police officers?

Question

I have heard that at some sporting venues mainley US Cellure Field and the United Center in Chicago are off duty police officers. Is this true and if so why do these venues hire off duty police officers as security guards? Just woundering.

Answer 1

I thought most of them are.  They already know what to do so why not?  They don't make nearly enough money being a cop anyway and they probably need more income.  

Cops and teachers are both grossly underpaid.

Answer 2

Off duty officers have already been trained to handle disturbances if and when they take place.

They also have the power of arrest as an officer 24/7.

Answer 3

That's probably true - I know, for instance, that at our local mall there are several police officers moonlighting as security officers because I know them. And I have seen a few in Sears working part time as theft prevention officers.

If one were looking for a security guard, I guess a professional police officer presents a pretty good looking resume for the position.

Answer 4

Yep, sure is. I do it all the time. At 30$ an hour, so would you. Most people at my dept. do these off-duty jobs regularly.

Answer 5

Yes, it may be true.  Many officers work extra jobs at liquor stores, grocery stores, sporting events, concerts, etc.  The owners pay them pretty good money to do so, like $40-$50 an hour.  Depending on the location they may or may not be in uniform.

Answer 6

I used to work in a hospital as a security officer. Im a medic but ALOT of our people were off duty cops. Truthfull cops are never really off duty. What could be better in a security force than having trained personel who know the laws of the area working for you? Its true all over the country not jsut in chicago.

Answer 7

Depends on where you live. Some depts will not allow you to because it can be a conflict of interest to your job and the dept. Smaller towns or cities do to allow them a chance to make more money.  

Answer 8

Because theyre already trained. Also they go 2 police stations looking for cops who want a lil extra cash my neigbor is a cop and he says theyll come by his station and put up a sign and on top of that they get 2 patroll less routier places and they get to watch what ever is going on like a game. Alo think about would u rather higher an off duty police officer or a security guard.I would rather have an off duty officer or x-officer.

Answer 9

Yes. The Cell, Wrigley and The United Center all use CPD officers. Even at McCormick Place and Navy Pier use them. The motivation is that should something happen, police officers are supposedly unimpeachable in court. But you know the CPD, they are as crroked as a cat's hind leg.

Answer 10

Yes it is.  Cops wages are lousy, and they are well trained, so they make a little extra on the side.