Police officers' second jobs revealed

The numbers of Midland police officers with second jobs has risen by several hundred, with officers working as everything from Thai boxing coaches to cosmetics sellers, it was revealed today.

Semi-professional cricketers, extras in TV or films and ski instructors are also among the roles taken on by officers boosting their incomes. In West Midlands Police, more than 1,000 officers ranging in rank from Pc to Assistant Chief Constable have registered business interests.

That's a 58 per cent rise in the number of West Midlands officers with second roles

Eighteen officers, including a superintendent, are involved in alternative therapy while a constable and an inspector are involved in the import/export business.

An assistant chief constable and more than 300 other officers, including 209 constables, are involved in accommodation - which includes owning buy-to-let property, letting holiday homes and sub-letting their own property.

Today the force said all officers and their families must declare and get approval before carrying on outside business interests.

Ch Insp Matt Markham, said: "The Chief Constable decides whether a business interest is compatible with an individual's position and whether a conflict of interest could arise.

"Key to this is the requirement for officers to discharge their duties impartially, and also to be seen to do so."

In Staffordshire, there are 205 officers with business interests or second jobs.

They include four who are extras, six who work for Virgin Vie cosmetics, 12 who are involved in "making things", painting or photography. Twelve are involved in internet businesses or are retail assistants.

West Mercia Police, which covers areas including Bridgnorth, Kidderminster, Shifnal and Albrighton, released details of the requests for permission to have second jobs.

They include an acting sergeant who asked to be allowed to continue running his Korean kickboxing classes. An acting chief inspector asked for permission for his wife to buy a coffee shop in Shrewsbury.

And one Pc asked to be allowed to be a dog groomer