The Minneapolis City Council approved an ordinance Thursday allowing the city to charge fees to private businesses when police officers do off-duty security work for them. It’s the first step toward recouping some of the costs to taxpayers for allowing the officers to use squad cars,

The Minneapolis City Council voted Thursday to charge a fee when officers take after-hours gigs. Minneapolis police officers can use their city-issued gear while working security jobs when they’re off-duty.

MPD's off-duty program allows officers to work private jobs on the side while using city cars, uniforms, and materials. The ordinance would allow the city to charge fees to recoup the costs of resources used by officers when working off-duty.

The Minneapolis City Council has unanimously approved fees on Minneapolis Police Department for off-duty work. Under the current plan charges for the use of city-issued weapons, uniforms and vehicles will be applied to companies that hire officers.