Watson v. Newman

On Motion for Rehearing of Petition

Justice WILLETT, joined by Justice HECHT, dissenting from the denial of the motion for rehearing of the petition.

Law-enforcement professionals throughout Texas earn extra money by moonlighting as private security officers. This case affords the Court an opportunity to clarify when official immunity extends to off-duty peace officers who, while working private security jobs, encounter situations that require them to discharge their assigned public-servant duties.

Here, Shane Watson, a Potter County deputy sheriff, was providing off-duty security at a Dillard’s…