You asked if policemen on or off duty in New York, New Jersey and Chicago, Illinois can ride on public transportation free and act in their “on duty” capacity when they are “off duty. ”

SUMMARY

Police officers on or off duty in New York and Illinois can ride on public transportation free of charge and act in their “on duty” capacity when they are “off duty. ” New Jersey has no similar law.

FREE PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION FOR POLICE OFFICERS IN CHICAGO AND NEW YORK

By law, Illinois provides “free transportation within any municipality in and by which they are employed for … policemen when in uniform or, when not in uniform, upon presentation of identification as policemen”. (70 ILCS 3605/30) (http: //www. ilga. gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs2. asp?ChapterID=15).

In New York the mayor of each city or incorporated village issues a certificate of appointment to police officers. It specifies the duration of the term in office. With this certificate every police officer can ride on public transportation free of charge, whether in uniform or not, while performing the duties of his office (General Municipal Law. Article 10, § 206). However, in addition, there is a policy which allows police officers off-duty to ride for free on public transportation, according to Sergeant Sherman from the New York Police Department.

All police officers in New York and Illinois are required to act in their “on duty” capacity even when they are officially off-duty.

EM: ro