Police Minister warns off moonlighters

Police Minister George Hawkins has reminded police not to "moonlight" by working secondary jobs in an area where there is a conflict of interest.

He said police were highly paid and should concentrate on fighting crime and protecting the community.

"There is no room for moonlighters who have one eye on police matters and another on what business opportunities they can prosper on."

Mr Hawkins comments follow the conviction this month of a Whakatane constable for dealing in unlicensed motor vehicles.

Constable Peter Sidney Sandle was fined $1500 and ordered to pay $5000 costs in the Whakatane District Court.

It is understood his career with the police is not in jeopardy.

Mr Hawkins said he was concerned about reports that a few officers had been moonlighting. "There is no reason why some police officers should be preoccupied with money-making ventures on the side."

Police Association president Greg O'Connor said that under the police general instructions officers needed permission to get secondary work if it appeared to be in an area of conflict.

"Obviously if you are doing anything which is going to get you in trouble it is a conflict of interest," he said.

Mr O'Connor said some police officers made money from a secondary source, but it was not common.

He said it was essential to pay police a good salary.

"You can't live next to gang members if you are working as a police officer," he said.

"You need to live in a reasonable area. There are people out there - particularly those paying child support and looking after two families - who are struggling."

National police spokesman Brian Neeson said it was odd that Mr Hawkins was warning officers about moonlighting when he had the dual roles of MP for Manurewa and Mayor of Papakura.