St. Lucia police officers guard a crime scene in Castries. * SNO file photo
It is not illegal for police officers to take up private-sector jobs however they must get permission from the commissioner of police (COP), Acting Police Public Relations Officer Zachary Hippolyte has said.
To supplement their income, some police officers take up employment in the private sector from individuals and companies, particularly as security guards for restaurants, bars, supermarkets and other business establishments. Some officers also carry out body-guard services and cash escort security services for businesses and individuals.
According the Saint Lucia Police Act 14, 2001, police officers attached to the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force (RSLPF) have to request permission of the COP to engage in paid or unpaid off-duty employment, Hippolyte said.
“Civilians who wish to have the services of a police officer in an off-duty activity are given a prescribed Employers Agreement to Conditions of Police Related Off Duty Employment form,” Hippolyte said in an invited comment online.
“This form outlines conditions under which the officer must operate in the activity.”
Notice to potential employer (s):
1. A member of the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force acceptance of Police-related off-duty employment is conditional upon approval of the Commissioner of Police.
2. A member of the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force is required to respond to all in progress calls.
3. The officer’s working conditions and hours are subject to review by a senior officer of the force.
4. Authorization for the officer to work may be rescinded at any time by the Commissioner of Police.
5. Legal actions arising during the course of police-related off-duty employment shall be the liability of the off-duty employer.
6. Officers who are on probation are not permitted to engage in police-related off-duty employment.
7. Officers may not work for more than 20 hours per week unless they have requested and have been granted permission by the Commissioner of Police.
8. A job description and list of job/task must accompany the agreement when it is submitted for approval.
9. Officers may engage in police related or special off-duty employment if their powers are in effect and the officer complies with all applicable provisions of the Police Act, and the Police standing Order as it relates to police-related off-duty employment.
10. Officers who are engaging in police related or special off-duty employment are required to be attired in full prescribed police uniform at all times unless otherwise approved by writing by the Commissioner of Police.
11. Officers who are engaging in police related or other special off-duty employment are required to carry their police issued service weapon or off-duty weapon authorized by the Commissioner of Police.
When asked if he believes some officers are not adhering to the RSLPF policy, Hippolyte said: “I can’t believe or don’t believe. All I know is they supposed to.”