Can you have a second job if you are a police officer?
Police officers are permitted business interests as outlined in the Police Regulations. There are strict rules as to what business interests an officer can have. The business interest or additional occupation must not interfere with an officer's ability to impartially discharge his or her duties.
So, there you have it, it would be unethical for a serving police officer to work as a private investigator, they have access to many databases and information would surely be tempting to use as a PI.
Police officers have immeasurable skills
When I joined the police in 1969, you signed to serve for 30 years, at the conclusion of which you received a lump sum ‘commutation’ and a healthy pension for life (which you paid in for) . Sadly consecutive governments have taken all this away and nowadays young officers seldom serve for more than 10 years. During this time, they gain a great deal of experience and attend numerous courses which would benefit them in the private sector.
Do retired police officers make good private investigators?
Obviously, with the skills and knowledge they have obtained over the years of service, especially in dedicated departments like serious & organized crime, surveillance, fraud and professional standards, they make good private investigators. When Surelock joined The Association of British Investigators 15 years ago each member of the team, some of whom were seasoned and very experienced detectives, successfully passed the Pearson EDI Level 3 Awards for Professional Investigators (QCF). Albeit, there are many successful private investigators nowadays who have come from all sorts of backgrounds.
Here at Surelock we are Private Investigators and Security Consultants
We have spent many years recruiting experts in their various fields to assist with all the services we offer, for the benefit of our clients we offer both an investigative and security consultancy service. Learn more on our About Us page.
We or our team are members of: -
The Association of British Investigators (ABI)
The World Association of Detectives (WAD)
Ex Police in Industry and Commerce (EPIC)
The Anti-Counterfeiting Group (ACG)
The Association of Security Consultants (ASC)
There are many such associations, but there are a selected few that cover the work that we do, gives us credibility, professionalism, integrity and a network of other professionals.
What does a Private Investigator do?
• Focus: Investigative surveillance analyses past events to uncover facts and information.
• Activities: Our private investigators interview witnesses and suspects, researching public records, performing background checks, and gathering evidence for legal or personal matters, compiling detailed reports of our findings –
• Conducting domestic surveillance: Investigating a case of suspected infidelity, verifying a person's background, or finding a missing person –
• Company Infiltration: If you suspect there is an inside threat to your company then Surelock’s company infiltration services will investigate and gather any evidence you may need to resolve the matter.
• Reactive: Responding to a specific need or situation after it has occurred, fraud investigation, theft or high value burglary.
• Brand Protection: One of the most pro-active and successful brand protection companies in the UK, identifying locations selling our clients counterfeits, gathering intelligence and evidence to report to the respective authorities for enforcement action.
• Mystery shopping / test purchasing: Gain valuable customer feedback and improve your business performance with Surelock's Mystery Shopping and Test Purchasing Services.
• Skills: Experience, credibility, strong investigative, research, and analytical skills are crucial. Learn more about us and our experienced investigators.
Our investigators are some of the best in the UK with a proven history of working in the police and specialist departments at Scotland Yard.
What does a Security Consultant do?
• Focus: Assessing and improving security systems and procedures, our security survey process involves a meticulous examination of your premises, identifying potential risks and vulnerabilities. With our expertise, we provide actionable recommendations to enhance your security measures.
• Activities: Conducting security audits, developing security policies, identifying vulnerabilities, recommending security improvements, and providing thorough training.
• Example: Analysing a company's physical security, advising on cybersecurity measures, or developing emergency response plans.
• Proactive: We aim to prevent security breaches before they happen, advising on greenfield sites and locations.
• Penetration Tests: we offer thorough security reviews and penetration testing to uncover potential vulnerabilities in your physical setup. From the perimeter to the inner rooms, we assess every layer of protection, ensuring your systems are not just in place but functioning as intended –
• Planning for Martyn’s Law: Get expert help from Surelock to prepare your premises under the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025. Stay safe, secure, and fully compliant, presentations, consultations, guidance and implementation.
• Skills: Experience, strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills are important.
Our senior security consultant Stewart Brown has many years’ experience, gained while working in the Police and for the Home Office both in the UK and overseas, he is a long-standing member of the Association of Security Consultants.
Stewart was on the British Standards Institute (BSI) Security Services Committee for over 12 years and personally wrote the Security Consultancy and Private Investigations, Code of Practice standards that are now used regularly in the United Kingdom, as well as being involved in reviewing, updating & publishing most of the UK Security Codes of Practice and UK Security Standards in this industry.
In essence, private investigators are detectives who investigate past and present events, while security consultants are advisors who help clients improve their future security.
We provide our services to:
Public and Private Sector Clients
Our costs - We work strictly to an hourly rate, no hidden costs, our fees are £80 per hour for such services, plus travel and incidental costs.
If you need our help or advice do not hesitate to make contact, we are happy to discuss your needs and help you decide –
C: www.surelock.org/contact-us
T: 0333 6000 300
