Register reveals officers kept busy with host of second jobs

Mechanics, drivers, property rentals and advisers to TV programme-makers are among second jobs and business interests registered by more than 500 staff working for Kent Police.

Details of second jobs and other earnings by both uniformed and civilian staff outside their day job are now published routinely by the force as part of improving transparency.

An analysis of the current register shows that 568 staff – about one in six – at all ranks of the force supplement their income in a range of ways, with police constables accounting for 236 entries in the register.

Most popular are earnings from property, with 58 entries in the register – including two by chief inspectors – that they let or rent homes.

Driving and driving instruction are listed by 40 employees, while earnings from teaching and lecturing are listed by 22.

Sport and fitness interests – likely to include coaching and competing – are registered by 29 staff while 38 earn income from what are described as retail interests, including online sales.

Not all interests registered are financial with more than 50 listing voluntary work, school governors and charities.

Nine officers declare that writing earns them extra income while 25 do so from a category incorporating photography, video and art and design.

An inspector lists advising TV programme-makers while there are nine mechanics, an electrician and a plumber. Sixteen list catering – including food delivery – as a second job or business.

Kent Police policy on second jobs states officers should not develop second full-time or competing careers, but that they can pursue extra work provided they first disclose it to the chief constable for approval.

The work must also not interfere with the “impartial discharge of their duties”.

Responding to a Freedom of Information request by the KM Group, the force said it had rejected six requests in 2016-17, three on grounds of health and safety, and three because of potential conflicts of interest.