10% police officers in UK need second jobs to get by

There are about 23,000 police officers who are holding down second jobs in order to get by, according to an investigation.

10:13 02 January 2013

According to a recent investigation, there are about 23,000 police officers and support staff in UK who are moonlighting with second jobs. They include a priest, pallbearers, pole-dancing teacher, and even an ice cream salesman.

The investigation also revealed that based on statistics, there is now one in ten officers in England and Wales who need to get second jobs in order to get by. This raises a serious concern as to whether these police officers are able to perform their duties while holding another job.

Labour’s Keith Vaz announced that Common Home Affairs Committee will investigate on the matter. He said: ‘I am very surprised by the large number of police with second jobs. It would be quite wrong if chief constables are turning a blind eye to this. Second jobs should not create a conflict of interest or result in police neglecting their duties in protecting the public and catching criminals.’

Police officers and civilian staff are usually permitted to hold second jobs during their spare time as long as there is no direct clash with their primary job and as long as they get clearance from their bosses ahead of time.