§ 37.1 Off-duty law enforcement officers - Powers and duties- Liability.

When a police officer is off duty but still wearing their uniform at a public event, they still count as a working officer. This means they have the same authority to act and the same responsibilities they would have during a regular shift. So if something happens at a concert, game, or other public gathering, an off-duty officer in uniform can step in and use their police powers just like they would on the clock.

This rule also protects the police department or city that employs the officer. If a business or private group hires that officer to work security or provide services while off duty, the government agency is not responsible for what the officer does during that job. The liability stays with the officer and whoever hired them, not with the police department itself.