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<p>[holding answer 15 October 2013]: Participation by police officers in political campaigning is prohibited by law. Schedule 1 to the Police Regulations 2003 states that:</p><p>“A member of a police force shall at all times abstain from any activity which is likely to interfere with the impartial discharge of his duties or which is likely to give rise to the impression amongst members of the public that it may so interfere... A member of a police force shall in particular... not take any active part in politics”.</p><p>Failure to abide by these regulations may give rise to misconduct proceedings under the Police (Conduct) Regulations 2012. Further, it is a criminal offence under section 100 of the Representation of the People Act 1983 for a police officer to canvass in a parliamentary or local election. There is similar legislation applicable to European Parliament, Welsh Assembly and Police and Crime Commissioner elections, and local referendums.</p> |