SAN DIEGO (Border Report) — About 7,000 local and state police officers in Tijuana, all licensed to carry firearms, have been told they can’t take on part-time work as armed security guards in the region.
Earlier this week, Laureano Carrillo Rodríguez, head of Tijuana’s Public Safety, issued the new policy based on existing federal laws that govern the use of weapons and explosives.
“It prohibits municipal and state agents, who are licensed to carry arms for a police department, from providing private security services,” Carrillo Rodríguez said.
It is not uncommon for peace officers in Baja California to work for private businesses or as bodyguards during their time off.
“People employing the officers will now have to hire private firms to protect for their establishments or personnel,” Carrillo Rodríguez. “There are about 7,000 agents who are providing all types of armed security at places like banks, shopping centers, stores and other places.”
According to the El Sol Newspaper in Tijuana, some officers who have been doing this type of work, have stated they are forced to take on security jobs as a way to make ends meet due to the fact their salaries don’t cover their living expenses.
Carrillo Rodríguez responded by saying the officers have a choice to work for public police departments or for private interests, but not both.
Read: Read More