Police Officer membership of living historical groups (FOI)

Request

My questions are around the hobby of Living History membership within the Police Force.

Historical Re-enactment or Living History is an educational or entertainment activity in which people recreate aspects of an historical event or period. It will involve the person dressing in period attire (usually military) attending organised events and role playing that time frame period. It could include Vikings, Napoleonic or World War II time frames for example.

A

Do you hold numbers of how many sworn officers and civilian staff employed by your force belong to or engage in Living History Re-enactment events in their spare time?

B

Do they have to seek permission to join such groups from your Chief Constable?

C

Have any members of staff been asked to resign from such groups once it is apparent they engage in this hobby outside of their normal work?

D

Are specific restrictions placed on your staff (sworn and unsworn) preventing them from joining certain Living History groups? E.g. American Civil War confederate, World War II German and so on due to perceived public perception?

I look forward to your response. If you cannot answer all questions can you provide answers to those you can please?

Response

A

Information not held (see below)

B to D

No

Article 8 of the Human Rights (Jersey) Law 2000 protects the right to respect private life and Police Officers and staff have the right to privacy without interference from the Force. There are however additional limitations on Police Officers and staff who have an obligation to adhere to a Code of Conduct and Force Policy.

There are no specific restrictions on officers and staff being members of Living History groups however there is in place a policy relating to membership of groups or associations. The policy outlines that it is a requirement for all officers and staff to identify any personal association they have with an individual, group or organisation that has the potential or is likely to compromise the individual staff member or the reputation of the States of Jersey Police.