Off duty police officer

[Dom Tuk]

Does an off duty police officer have any powers of arrest. If the officer is involved in a fracas when off duty is it not the duty of the local constabulary to effect any arrests after identifying the culprits. So is the off duty police officer not just a lay person in the eyes of the law.

[andy hughes]

No, a police officer is never 'off duty' in that sense. They have powers of arrest, and are honour bound to intervene if they see a crime being committed, assuming it is safe, given that they have no access to backup, and cannot be easily identified as a police officer. Even while training, recruits are given their warrant cards - police i.d. on day one, and assume the powers from then on.

[kempie]

We all have powers of arrest!

http://www.cps.gov.uk/legal/section13/chapter_t.html#_Toc3085039

[Peter Pedant]

No they're never off duty, and if you hit a fella and he turns out to be Police you will get done for hitting a policeman.

that's just how it is .

[Trillipse]

also - a qualified nurse is legally bound to assist if witness to a health emergency.

[madjack]

Hi,

I agree with all the answers here.  True, a police officer is never "Off Duty", if they have to act in their role of constable while of duty, it is called "Instant recall to duty". As they would be on days off or annual leave they are entitled to overtime pay at the rate of tripple time and a day in the book, a minimum of 5 hrs is paid, in the job it`s called 4+1.

As for Kempies input, the power of arrest comes under "Common Law"

Just thought I`d mention it

Madjack