Can the dept force me to work an off duty detail?

Our department forces us to work a privately owned festival which is paid by the festival, not our city at our off duty rate. Now I'm not one to complain about things but they show little to no flexibility in the scheduling which puts a strain on family and personal affairs. Can the department legally make our officers work this private job?

Our department forces us to work a privately owned festival which is paid by the festival, not our city at our off duty rate. Now I'm not one to complain about things but they show little to no flexibility in the scheduling which puts a strain on family and personal affairs. Can the department legally make our officers work this private job?

A lot of it depends on if you have a union contract and what that contract says.