In Argentina, a deepening economic crisis is driving off-duty police officers to take second jobs as rideshare drivers, a perilous gig that has already cost several lives. Since the start of 2025, at least five off-duty officers have been killed while driving for platforms like Uber and Cabify, and two others have fatally shot assailants in self-defense.
Economic Necessity Drives Police to Rideshare
With inflation soaring above 100% and real wages plummeting, many police officers in Buenos Aires and other cities are turning to rideshare driving to supplement their incomes. According to the Buenos Aires Police Union, an estimated 30% of the city's 25,000 officers work second jobs, with rideshare being the most common due to flexible hours.
"Officers are forced to seek extra income just to feed their families," said union representative Juan Carlos Martinez. "But the risks are enormous. They are targets because criminals know they carry weapons and may have cash."
Deadly Consequences on the Streets
The dangers became starkly evident in March when Officer Pablo Rodriguez, 34, was shot dead during a robbery attempt while driving for Uber in La Matanza. Two weeks later, Officer Maria Fernandez, 28, was killed in a similar incident in Rosario. In both cases, the assailants targeted the officers specifically for their police-issued firearms.
However, not all encounters end tragically for the officers. In April, Officer Luis Gomez, 42, shot and killed two armed men who tried to carjack him in Quilmes. Gomez, who had been driving for Cabify for six months, said he acted in self-defense. "I didn't want to kill anyone, but they were going to kill me," he told local media.
Police Union Calls for Better Pay and Protections
The wave of violence has prompted the police union to demand higher base salaries and better working conditions to reduce the need for second jobs. Martinez emphasized that the government must address the root cause: the economic crisis. "Our officers are not just risking their lives on duty; they are risking them off duty too," he said.
The union has also called for rideshare companies to implement safety measures, such as panic buttons and real-time location sharing with police dispatch. However, companies like Uber have stated that they already provide safety features for all drivers, including police officers.
Government Response and Broader Implications
Argentina's Security Minister, Patricia Bullrich, acknowledged the problem but said the government's priority is tackling crime, not regulating second jobs. "We understand the economic pressures, but we cannot condone officers working in unsafe conditions," she said. The government has launched a task force to investigate the killings and provide support to affected families.
The situation highlights the broader impact of Argentina's economic turmoil, which has seen poverty rates climb to 40% and unemployment rise. For many police officers, the choice between poverty and danger is a daily reality.
