Las Cruces businesses will be able to hire off-duty officers for security

Starting in May, Las Cruces businesses will be able to hire off-duty officers for security at their businesses, the chief of police told ABC-7.

“It’s a win-win, so to speak,” said Chief Patrick Gallagher. “It’s good for the officers. It helps enhance their income … it’s good for the community.”

Gallagher told ABC-7 the off-duty officers will wear their uniforms and represent the police department.

“They’re using their full Las Cruces police powers,” Gallagher said. “If it’s a very serious critical incident, they would have the ability to call in additional resources.”

“Because it doesn’t take away from money that could be spent in other places in the city, that’s great,” said Chase Johnson, the manager of Cowtown Boots on El Paseo. “Police officers have experience de-escalating situations.”

Johnson said a uniformed officer would be an excellent deterrent for theft, but he told ABC-7 he would want an officer with a welcoming demeanor in his store.

“Someone that… doesn’t seem so intimidating that people are afraid of them,” Johnson said. “That’s the balance you want to try to strike.”

Starting pay for hiring an off-duty officer will be close to $40 an hour, confirmed a spokesman with the department. Any business interested in hiring an off-duty officer can call the department at 575-526-0795.

“Their first and foremost function will be to their primary job, which is here with the Las Cruces Police Department on patrol investigating crimes,” Gallagher said. “We would never sacrifice that for secondary employment.”