MORE than 170 police officers have second jobs that include working as film extras, property developers and drivers, Kent Police has disclosed.

Records show that 179 officers, from constables to chief superintendents, are currently registered with the force as having second jobs and business interests.

Although less than five per cent of the total workforce, the percentage is higher than that recorded in similar data released by the Metropolitan Police last year.

Force guidelines permit officers to earn extra income through second jobs provided they do not conflict with or interfere with their police duties.

Data disclosed to the Kent Messenger Group under the Freedom of Information Act shows that the most popular second job among Kent police officers was in the service sector.

Individual jobs were not specified but 73 registered as earning money providing various services. Those registering work included one chief superintendent and one chief inspector.

Training was also popular with 37 registering it as a second job, three of whom are inspectors.

Three constables earn extra money from working as film extras - but whether this included appearances in The Bill or Life on Mars was not specified.

One chief superintendent also works as a property developer while six officers earn income from sport, either as competitors or coaches.

Meanwhile, 17 bring in extra income as drivers, including an inspector and a further 14 have what are described as retail interests.

Peter Harman of the Kebt Police Federation said: "There will obviously be some who do extra work to help pay the mortgage, but others may have skills such as catering or as a car mechanic that they want to use.

"Others may develop outside interests with a view to doing something after they retire from the force."