THE Home Office is considering trying to implement \u201cformal restrictions\u201d on police officers\u2019 employment after they leave the service.<\/p>\n
Neil Bowles, chairman of South Yorkshire Police Federation, said: \u201cWhere is the evidence this is needed for a small number of public servants?\u201d<\/p>\n
The Home Office gave no timeline for the possible introduction of any restrictions.<\/p>\n
In a written response to Home Affairs Select Committee, the Home Office said: \u201cWe are currently considering whether it would be appropriate for members of the police to have formal restrictions on employment after leaving the service, and what such measures might entail.\u201d<\/p>\n
Mr Bowles said he agreed that \u201cprocurement decision makers\u201d in a force should have certain post retirement work restrictions \u201cfor a certain amount of time to be clear there are no integrity issues.\u201d<\/p>\n
He added: \u201cIt is totally out of order for Federated officers. There are enough restrictions on police officers and a code of conduct to adhere to \u2013 and officers are not adequately recompensed as it is.\u00a0 They do not need this after they have retired.\u201d<\/p>\n
According to PoliceOracle.com, a proposed national register of officers\u2019 second jobs, hospitality and gifts \u2013 another landmark reform in professional standards \u2013 could be in place by the autumn.<\/p>\n
National guidance on business interests held by serving officers and staff includes a \u201csuggested\u201d list of second jobs that conflict with being in the Police Service and this includes private investigators.<\/p>\n
But the Home Office added it was \u201cnot possible to provide a definitive list of occupations incompatible with the role of police officer\u201d.<\/p>\n
MPs on HASC also said that any contact serving officers have with private investigators should be recorded.<\/p>\n
The Home Office said: \u201cThe government will consider very carefully the recommendation that any contact between police officers and private investigators be recorded.<\/p>\n
\u201cFurthermore, the government will also consider whether any such restrictions or requirements that are placed on the police should be extended to other agencies with investigative or covert powers and with the potential for contact with private investigators.\u201d<\/p>\n
Home Secretary Theresa May has also announced new legislation that will see the Security Industry Authority license private investigators once they have achieved a government-recognised qualification and undergone a criminal records check. Those with convictions for offences under the Data Protection Act will be barred from receiving a licence.<\/p>\n
Operating without one will become an offence punishable by up to six months in prison and a \u00a35,000 fine.<\/p>\n
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