Police Officer

[markjitsu]

If they declare it to their employers then no issue dude.

You sure?
I understood that cops aren't allowed any external business interest?
EDIT - my bad, sure I'd been told that before...

[staffie]

I think the issue is not with competing exactly, but with being paid for it - that's what I've heard in the past from various guys...

Na, every police force is different but a few guys have been banned from competing, (no governing body, unlicensed) that kind of shit.

[Matty]

I have a pal in the Lancashire Constabulary, CID. As I understand it the issue falls into 2 broad categories, either...

1/ Being able/or not able to have another paid job in addition to being a police officer; whilst not employed you are effectively taking paid work if you fight for money. Some forces are relaxed about other business interests as long as you declare them. It's a straight forward contract of employment issue. Whether you make that money in MMA, tiddlywinks or being a gardener is largely irrelevant.

OR

2/ Whether the force judges it to be 'right and proper' etc. I.e. they don't like it, they know they can't stop you doing it, but they can lean on you (metaphorically)! Only the individual can decide how far they want to push it.

Ultimately no employer can stop you taking part in sporting activities, the complication arises due to the payment I think.....and no doubt the countless negative press articles.


Might be worth a chat with your HR or union rep, they'll give you some clear advice.

[Matty]

Na, every police force is different but a few guys have been banned from competing, (no governing body, unlicensed) that kind of shit.

An employer cannot ban you from competing specifically. Nor would the licensing status have any relevance to an employer. There are hundreds of unlicensed (i.e. no recognised governing body) sports out there. It's more likely they don't like the idea of a police office competing in such a sport.

More likely they have a stupid clause which requires the office to behave in such a way that befits the role; or "'it brings the employer into disrepute' due to negative perception of the sport"; or some other bullshit clause.

[SFC]

To my knowledge M, it is to do with the "second source" of income - which is open to interpretation and judgement of the people in your area - total nonsense but in place to prevent conflicts of interest - such as a police officer opeating as night club door man and being accused of assaulting a customer, a way round it would be to dedicate the purse to charity - if you so wish - officially - if this makes sense- as a promoter having had you fight on SFC i would have no problem in giving a statement to declare all your income from the show would be given directly to charity - if this so gave you the remit to compete. Message me and il give you some one's number to speak to who i spoke about this issue with who may be able to offer some guidance..... 07500556521 Cheers C

[Martin_27]

Cheers for the help guys

[bill]

Yes, Rob Mills, from Newcastle, don't think he has any problems..

[Sports-Select.co.uk]

Couple of my mates have a matted area for MMA training in their police gym.

[Dave Hirst]

I'm filth, though now pretty much retired from MMA. Never had anything but support from the organisation though and my force have a very successful submission wrestling team. Why do you want to know?

[thaison]

You would think the Police would be encouraging there officers into this type of stuff out with work. A lot of the big gyms (Miletech for ex) in the states have worked with police departments etc to great success.

One of our guys is training a police officer who is representing a Scottish police boxing team against the US police team, home and away legs with the away leg being at Maddison square garden. Very cool.