Police Force

[johneboy]

I am looking to change career and join the Police Force after 19 years in retail management. As probationers are paid about �22k pa I will have to take a significant salary drop.

I just want to know if you are allowed to take a second job if you are employed as a Police Officer.

[Andy008]

To be brutally honest with you, the answer is no. "moonlighting" is frowned upon at best in most jobs, and especially so in the police. The reason being that an officer undertaking commercial work is an easy target for bribery.

A bit of police corruption never hurt anyone. Much.

[WoWo]

But there is plenty of scope for overtime.

[MargeB]

why are you converting? I know money's not everything,but at least your current job is bringing home the bacon.

[BJJ]

Andy is not exactly correct, some forces do allow for certain business interests to be carried out, but not during your probation period and the obvious things that wouldn't be allowed is anything requiring a licence (licencee, bookie etc.) and obviously private detective type of stuff. You would need to submit a report outlining exactly what the type of work was etc. to the Chief Constable and this would be re-assessed in most cases every twelve months. But if I may be frank, don't join.

Police service is a very rewarding career but not the yacht, Porche and summer home type of rewards. A lot of people take a pay drop to begin their career, if you are serious, look ahead to the future, you have management experience if you demonstate an ability you may become a Sergeant within 3-4 yrs taking your salary to over 30k (after exams & interviews etc.) In my expreience anyone joining the Police service for financial reasons doesn't last long.

[johneboy]

Thanks for the advice everyone.

My intention isn't to join for the money, but in the short term the salary may be a bit of an obstacle. I may need to go down the overtime route I guess.

Yes I would like to get as far as I can, and hopefully my past experience may be advantageous.

I'm leaving retail because the opportunity is there and I want to try something else. You never know I might enjoy it!