October DealsAmazon USOctober deal check: compare before you payAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.Check DealsSlow PC?RecommendedPC slow today? Run a repair scan before it gets worseResolve common Windows issues and optimize system performance.Scan NowOctober DealsAmazon USDeal season is back - check today's better picksAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.See Picks×
Skip to content
The Finance Base
The Money Desk · Blog
Re:

15 Side Jobs for Police Officers: Flexible Off-Duty Options to Explore

From agency-arranged event assignments to tutoring, photography, and trade work, these 15 ideas come with an essential first step: check your department’s current outside-employment rules and get any required approval.
From TheFinanceBase Team6 min to read
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Police officers considering a side job have options ranging from agency-administered event assignments to private work such as tutoring, photography, or a trade. But outside employment is not automatically permitted: check your agency’s current policy and obtain any required approval before accepting work. Rules vary by department and jurisdiction, and an option that fits one officer’s schedule or policy may not fit another’s.

Check agency rules before choosing a side job

Start with your department’s current outside-employment policy, not a prospective employer’s promise that the work is “off duty.” Some agencies require approval before you begin, while others assess conflicts, scheduling, use of department resources, or the effect on readiness for duty.

For example, the San Francisco Police Department’s General Order 11.02, revised September 3, 2025, requires approval before secondary employment begins; its approval is valid for 12 months. Kent Police protocol L11060, reviewed December 1, 2025, asks officers and staff to give written notice of proposed secondary employment or business interests and considers factors including impartiality, availability for duty, fatigue, legal compliance, conflicts, and reliance on force expertise or intellectual property. These are examples of local rules, not a universal procedure.

  • Ask who grants approval, whether it must be in writing, how long it lasts, and whether it must be renewed.
  • Clarify restrictions on uniforms, badges, police authority, department equipment, records, confidential information, and work performed on duty.
  • Check whether your leave status, scheduled hours, shift timing, or emergency recall obligations limit the work.
  • For private work, verify relevant credentials, licenses, insurance, employer or platform terms, and local requirements.
  • Consider recovery time as well as the hours on the job. A flexible booking is not worthwhile if it leaves you too fatigued to perform your primary duties safely.

Agency-administered extra-duty assignments

Some departments administer or approve particular assignments for events and local employers. These are different from finding private work independently: the agency may control eligibility, permits, scheduling, compensation, and the officer’s role. Ask whether an assignment must come through an official program and what authority, uniform, training, or cancellation rules apply.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
#1 Best Overall
abcGoodefg 10 in 1 Black Utility Belt Tactical Police Security Belts with Pouch Men/Women Law Enforcement Duty Belt for Costume Hunting Game Belts & Bags (10 PCS, Black)
  • 【Adjustable Security Belts】 Adjustable Size: 2"(5cm) width, waist circumference: 35.4"-50"( 90-127cm). Please allow a measurement error of 0.5cm-1.0cm.
  • 【10 in 1 Law Enforcement Duty Belts with Holster】 10 in 1 security hunting utility belts and bags: one tactical black belt with 9 various multifunctional component tactical holster pouches bags,including flashlight pouch, pistol pouch, walkie-talkie case, rope case, hand cuff hoster, cartridge bag, keys holder, baton holder, T-shaped baton hoster.
  • 【Components Removable Tactical Modular Belt】 9 various multifunctional of different design gear holster both can be taken off for a fully customizable police utility belt. Fastens with quick-release buckle, easy to put on and take off.
  • 【Heavy Duty and Durable Material】 Security guard duty belt made of 1680D nylon, good tear resistance. Built-in hard board, durable and shaped. Design with reinforced threads and stitches
  • 【Widely Used】 Law enforcement modular versatile duty belt with pouches design for police, security guard, law enforcement. Also can be used for utility belt, combat belt, tactical gear equipment, equipment pouch, modular equipment.

1. Event security or public-safety staffing

Some departments arrange extra-duty staffing for events. Fairfax County lists community festivals and faith-based events; Milwaukee’s program covers local businesses and special events. Those examples establish that such programs exist locally, not that every event or department allows the work. Check event eligibility, whether the agency arranges the assignment, and what duties and uniform rules apply.

2. Traffic control

Fairfax County and Milwaukee identify traffic-control assignments in their local programs. Before taking one, confirm any required training, work-zone rules, employer arrangements, and agency approval. Do not assume that a private request to direct traffic is sufficient authorization.

3. Crowd control

Fairfax County includes crowd control among examples allowed under its own rules. That is not a general permission for officers elsewhere. Verify whether your agency allows this work, who directs the assignment, and what limits apply to use of authority.

Milwaukee’s published extra-duty page describes voluntary sign-up, possible emergency recall, and a three-hour minimum. Its listed rates are dated local program figures, stated as current as of November 2023—not a current pay guide or a prediction of what another agency pays. Verify current details with the department before relying on them.

What’s actually slowing this PC down?

Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Rank #2
Sale
Odoland Police Security Modular Equipment System - Molded Duty Belt Set with Colt 1911, Flashlight, Baton Holsters
  • Complete Tactical Set: Includes all the pouches and holsters, gun holster, magazine holster, baton holster, flashlight holster, radio holster, handcuff holster etc.
  • Heavy Duty Nylon Construction: High quality design for durable and comfortable.
  • Easy To Set Up: Quick attachment and quick release with complete Locking and full adjustability.
  • Long Strong Nylon Belt: Tough Nylon Belt can be adjusted from 30 inches to 53 inches, suits most of the people.
  • Easy-To-Go: Strap to keep belt from popping out, security and convenient.

Private side jobs to investigate

The following ideas are possibilities, not confirmed openings or assurances of permission. For any of them, check approval requirements, conflicts, scheduling, qualifications, and insurance or licensing as relevant. Keep the work separate from official time, equipment, records, and position.

4. First-aid or CPR instruction

Teaching first aid or CPR may suit an officer with current credentials and access to a permitted instructor arrangement. Confirm that your certification qualifies you to teach the specific course and that your agency permits the work. Do not present a private class as department-endorsed unless you have explicit authorization.

5. Fitness coaching or personal training

Coaching clients can sometimes be scheduled by appointment, but qualifications, insurance, and physical demands matter. Consider whether the extra activity could increase fatigue or injury risk, especially around demanding shifts.

6. Tutoring

Tutoring general academic subjects or helping with exam preparation can be scheduled in sessions. Avoid confidential material and any suggestion that your instruction carries official police approval or access to restricted information.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Rank #3
SFYHORK Duty Belt Key Holder, 2PCS Superior Key Ring Holder, Upgraded Quick Release Belt Key Clip with Keyrings for Police, Law Enforcement and Workers
  • 【 Advanced Design 】Our duty belt key holder is made of high-quality materials, and is designed specifically for Police, law enforcement agencies, and attendance, making it more suitable for all standard series handcuffs.
  • 【 High Quality and Durability 】We have selected high-quality materials to ensure the durability of the key ring holder. With an elegant black color, it exudes a premium texture.
  • 【 Easy to Use 】: Our key holder has a spring clip function, which can quickly and easily remove or hang items, such as keys or handcuffs, making work easier.
  • 【 Proper Size 】: This key holder for belt is suitable for a 1 inch - 2.28 inch belt, fits for most sizes of belts, and also suitable for hanging on backpacks.
  • 【 Buy with Confidence 】As a responsible seller, we provide quality products and services. With great products, let's make work easier!

7. Teaching at a community college or training provider

Explore courses that match your credentials and the provider’s requirements. Before accepting, confirm agency approval and avoid restricted department materials, equipment, or other resources unless their use is specifically authorized.

8. Writing or editing

Freelance writing, editing, or technical documentation can often be done in blocks of time, but check ownership and resource-use rules. Kent Police’s policy, for example, says intellectual property produced in the course of duties or employment belongs to the chief constable. That rule is specific to its policy; ask your own agency how it treats work created on duty or using department resources.

9. Photography

Portrait, product, or event photography can be booked selectively. Check privacy and licensing obligations, access rules at events, potential conflicts, and whether clients might mistakenly infer official access or endorsement.

10. Handyman or home-maintenance work

Small repair or maintenance jobs may draw on practical skills, but verify local licensing requirements, insurance, liability, and the time needed for travel and unexpected repairs. Do not take on work beyond your competence.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Rank #4
TACNEX Duty Belt w/Hook Lining 4 Keepers Police Law Enforcement Correctional Officer Security Black Nylon Outer Inner Belt L
  • This police nylon duty belt is lined with Rough Hook and made from tough double-layered web construction for added strength and stability. Inside of belt has a full-length hook lining designed to be worn with soft loop inner belt. When you take off the outer duty belt after get off work, the under belt still works like any other ordinary belt, and its outer side is loop which will not stick to your clothes and interior fabric of the car.
  • 2-inch-wide. Rugged nylon webbing features an interior polymer stiffener, which maintains the belt's rigid shape when weighed down by pistol, radio, handcuff, flashlight, key clip, gloves, mag pouches, weapon holsters and other EDC essential gear/holder. Smooth edge-binding adds extra comfort. Designed to distribute weight evenly while fully loaded. Stiff enough to carry gear, flexible enough for daylong comfort.
  • Easily Adjust Size with the hook&loop closure on both end of the belt. Only loosen the hook&loop tabs on the inside of the belt, put them back through the buckle, then remold it to the buckle. It is a stiff belt so it takes a little bit of squishing to remold the new position of the belt to the buckle. Pro Secure UTX Triple Retention Buckle for added extra security from inadvertent release, shatter-resistant. Release this buckle by pressing the middle button first, then the top & bottom.
  • TACNEX duty belt is reliable&professional enough for any law enforcement or security. It's primary used for police men/women, cop, correctional officer, sheriff, public safety professionals, constable, security guard, private security, and beginner for police academ training so that they can be prepared in an instant and easy access to all work tools. We also provide 4 heavy duty nylon belt keepers w/ double copper snaps & loop inner lining for you to fasten the inner belt or hold other gears.
  • Available in size S(26"-29"); M(30"-34"); L(35"-38"); XL(39"-42"); XXL(43"-47"), XXXL(48"-52"). Note: Use actual measurements and not pant size when picking your belt size. If you measurement in-between sizes, round up to the larger size. If you choose to purchase "Outer Belt + Inner Belt", the package comes with 1 * Outer Belt(2" wide), 1 * Inner Belt(1.5" wide), 4 Belt Keepers + 2 Nylon Loops for Outer Belt. In the "Outer Belt" option, the package does not include an inner belt.

11. Licensed trade work

Electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and similar work may require specific qualifications, licenses, and insurance. Police experience does not substitute for trade credentials or local compliance requirements.

12. Pet care

Pet sitting or dog walking may offer bookable work, but clients need dependable coverage. Consider how shift changes, overtime, or emergency call-ins would affect your ability to meet agreed care times.

13. Rideshare or delivery driving

Before signing up, check platform terms, local rules, and whether your insurance covers commercial driving. Account for fatigue and recovery time; the ability to log on at any hour does not mean every hour is compatible with safe duty performance.

14. Reselling or a small online shop

An online shop or reselling business can be managed around shifts, but it still may count as secondary employment or a business interest under agency policy. Kent Police, for example, requires written notice and reviews compatibility. Keep business records, devices, inventory, and work time separate from department resources.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Best Value
ZGJINLONG 10-in-1 Modular Tactical Duty Belt w/Pouches for Law Enforcement
  • 【10 in 1 Security Hunting Game Belts and Bags】Fully cooperate with the tactical team,One belt 9 various multifunctional component pouches bags, including flashlight pouch, pistol pouch, walkie-talkie case, rope case, hand cuff hoster, cartridge bag, keys holder, baton holder.
  • 【Beautifully packaged】As a gift,Our elaborate Police Tactical Belt is enclosed in an elegant gift box Excellent for Law Enforcement, Military Personnel, Security guards, police,military and extreme sports enthusiasts, even outdoor sports hiking camping. Also can be a perfect accessory for the cosplay party such as festivals and events.
  • 【Perfect Match】All the bags with durable hooks and loops,which just fit the attached to the main belt hooks and loops, so that the flashlight holster, pistol holster, walkie talkie holster can be firmly fixed on the tactical belt.
  • 【Adjustable Walstband】Easily adjustable Tactical duty belt with quick release buckle,The length range is 80-105cm/31.49~41.33in, and the parts are detachable, which is convenient to change the waistband or choose different functional bag combinations according to your preferences.
  • 【Security Duty Belt】All components can be removed,Can act as A great duty belt, You can test it. It has super practical wear resistance, is forms a solid and adaptable foundation for your duty gear.

15. A service business or consulting unrelated to police authority

A separate trade or skill may support a small service business or consulting work. Screen clients and services for conflicts, obtain required clearance, and do not sell access to police systems, confidential information, official influence, or the prestige of your office. Louisville Metro Police’s policy quotes a Kentucky Court of Appeals decision in the context of prohibited employment: “Nothing would more thoroughly disserve public confidence and other legitimate objectives of a police department than having officers on the payroll of reputed criminals.” The quotation concerns that prohibited-employment context; it is not a blanket judgment on ordinary side work.

Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

Compare options by fit, not just flexibility

No single job is best for every officer. Use these questions to narrow the list before spending time or money on setup:

  • Schedule control: Can you decline or cancel shifts, or must you guarantee particular hours?
  • Agency involvement: Is this an agency-administered extra-duty assignment or separate private employment? Does it use police authority?
  • Conflict and confidentiality: Could the work compromise impartiality, public confidence, privacy, or access to restricted information?
  • Fatigue and recovery: Does the work involve long hours, physical strain, night driving, or commitments immediately before a shift?
  • Entry requirements: What credentials, licensing, insurance, equipment, or startup costs are necessary?
  • Reliability: Can you meet the employer’s commitments when your primary job changes your schedule?

Keep pay expectations local and dated

Extra-duty compensation is set by local programs and may change. Milwaukee’s page lists rates as current as of November 2023: Police Officer, $75.51 per hour; Motorcycle Officer, $65.63; Sergeant, $86.01; Forensic Investigator, $67.43; Detective, $71.88; and Lieutenant, $96.65. The same page lists a 10% administrative fee and a three-hour minimum, and describes voluntary sign-up and emergency recall. Treat these as historical Milwaukee program figures, not current rates, take-home pay, or an estimate for another agency; confirm the program’s current terms directly.

Distinguish side work from a secondment

In England and Wales, the Home Office and Police Advisory Board’s April 11, 2025 guidance concerns secondments—temporary transfers governed by formal agreements. A secondment is not the same arrangement as casual off-duty work or a private side business, so its rules should not be used to infer permission for either.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

More post from the Money Desk

  1. The Money DeskBlogTheFinanceBase09 OCT 267 minMortgage Escrow FAQs: Taxes, Insurance, Shortages, and Refunds
  2. The Money DeskBlogTheFinanceBase09 OCT 265 minHow Mortgage Escrow Accounts Work and What Homeowners Pay For
  3. The Money DeskBlogTheFinanceBase09 OCT 265 minHow to Read a Stock Chart, Volume and Market-Cap Data
Recommended PC Tool
Recommended PC Tool
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You DownFree scan - exact matches
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They SpreadFree repair scan

Two free Windows tools

One Free Minute Could Fix That PC

Before you go - each of these free tools takes about a minute and tackles what quietly slows a Windows PC down.

Special offer. View Outbyte info, uninstall instructions, EULA, and Privacy Policy.