Hundreds of PCs cash in by moonlighting as cab drivers
‘Officers have no alternative’
HUNDREDS of police officers are moonlighting as minicab and private- hire drivers, figures show.
More than 300 Metropolitan Police officers have declared business interests as professional drivers or chauffeurs.
In total, 5,395 serving officers – almost one in five – declared separate business interests, data released under freedom of information laws revealed.
The vast majority, around 70 per cent, were rank-and-file constables, who often work anti- social shifts. But the number also included chief superintendents, some of the most senior officers.
The figures will raise questions over police pay and why some officers need to undertake extra work.
A spokesman for the Police Federation, the police union, said: ‘The sad reality is that some police officers are having to find additional means to make ends meet … officers would rather not take on a second job, but some unfortunately have no alternative.’
Ken Marsh, who leads the Scotland Yard branch of the federation, highlighted that many of the business interests are likely to relate to consultancy work or property.
But he added: ‘Our job is a professional job and it clearly shows you we aren’t paid a professional salary … why does someone need a second job when they’re a police officer? It’s not right at all.’
Ex- officer Claire Hearn said she left the force after juggling her duties with a tea party business. ‘It was never a problem,’ she told London’s Evening Standard. ‘But it’s not the sort of job you can do without giving 100 per cent. As the business grew, I realised the passion was with that really.’
In England and Wales there are believed to be around 20,000 police officers with second jobs and business interests, including roles such as comedian, bodyguard, slimming consultant and one who owns a mobile spray-tan company. In Cornwall, an officer runs a funeral business for surfing fans using a camper van converted into a hearse.
A report by the police watchdog warned that some forces were failing to log jobs for which officers had been refused permission.
Officials said other interests and jobs could make officers ‘more vulnerable to misconduct and corruption’ and must be monitored.
The Met said second jobs and business interests were allowed only if they were ‘compatible’ with police work which ‘will always be considered as a priority’.