Who may approve plain clothes Law Enforcement Related Employment (LERE) assignments?

• A. Lieutenant
• B. Commander
• C. Any Officer
• D. Chief of Police

Answer: (B)

The authority to approve plain clothes Law Enforcement Related Employment (LERE) assignments rests with the commander. The rationale behind this is that the commander typically holds a senior position with a broader view of departmental resources, assignments, and overall operational goals. This individual is entrusted with making decisions that align with the department's strategic objectives while ensuring that off-duty assignments do not interfere with the officers' primary responsibilities.

The lieutenant, while a supervisory role, does not generally have the same level of authority as a commander regarding these specific employment approvals. Other officers, regardless of rank, typically lack the requisite authority to approve LERE assignments, as these decisions require an understanding of both legal and risk management considerations that come with off-duty employment. Lastly, although the Chief of Police oversees the entire department and may set overarching policies regarding LERE, the day-to-day operational approval for specific assignments is likely delegated to commanders for efficiency and effectiveness in managing the personnel and resources.