Toledo police officers will no longer be allowed to work off duty at bars

3/27/2014

Toledo police officers were told on Wednesday that they will no longer be allowed to work off duty at bars.

The notice from Chief William Moton went out about 3:30 p.m., said Toledo Police Patrolman's Association President Dan Wagner.

Toledo police Sgt. Joe Heffernan said there was already a policy to not allow officers to project at bars, nightclubs, or taverns, but it had not been enforced. He said there was no incident that prompted the reinstatement of the policy.

Sergeant Heffernan said working off duty at bars puts officers in potentially dangerous situations if a fight with guns breaks out and they are the only on-scene officer.

Mr. Wagner said he and other union officials have heard from dozens of officers who are upset that they will no longer be able to work off duty at bars.

Officers who work the off-duty details are paid by bar owners; they are there in full uniform with guns and badges.