ALMOST 10 per cent of serving police officers in East Lancashire have a second income.

At least 81 officers in Eastern and Pennine divisions of Lancashire Constabulary have a second business interest.

In Eastern division, which covers Blackburn with Darwen, Hyndburn and Ribble Valley, 37 officers have declared a second income to bosses.

Around 35 per cent of those are involved in property rental.

In Pennine division, which includes Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale, 44 officers have declared a second income. Around 57 per cent of those are involved in property rental.

Figures obtained through a Freedom of Information request submitted by the Lancashire Telegraph shows more than 300 officers in Lancashire have two incomes. The highest ranking officers to register a second income are three Chief Superintendents.

Between April 2008 and July 2012, four police officers have faced disciplinary action for failing to declare their second business interests.

Each of those cases were investigated by Professional Standards and ended up with two receiving written warnings, one given management advice and one dismissed without notice.

A spokesman for Lancashire Police said: “The Constabulary records details of business interests held by police officers and staff members. These are not necessarily ‘second jobs’, and a large proportion of registered business interests relate to property rental.

“This is in line with the Police Regulations 2003.

“The Constabulary will consider each request on an individual basis and as such it is not possible to state what is ‘acceptable’ or ‘unacceptable’.

“The request is not considered in isolation, and all relevant circumstances are taken into account.”