RECORD numbers of police in Hampshire are taking on second jobs - including one who combines fighting crime with running a ski resort, the Daily Echo can reveal.

Officers are also moonlighting as powerboat instructors, interior designers, mobile disco DJs, Indian head masseurs, dog trainers, driving instructors, valet drivers, teachers, fitness instructors and gardeners to boost their incomes.

Data released by Hampshire Constabulary shows that 119 officers have been approved by the chief constable to follow an outside business interest since 2002.

In 2006 just six officers took on second jobs - that figure soared to 33 last year and so far this year another 14 cops have already begun new careers in their free time.

Working as a driver or driving instructor (11) was the most popular job, followed by property owner or developer (nine), trainer (seven), fitness instructor or gym owner (five) and musician (three).

Sporty cops coach rugby, squash, rowing and there is also a football referee included in the list.

However, they are all banned from advertising the fact that they work for the police in order to drum up business for their second profession.

The list of officers with careers on the side includes 62 constables, 14 sergeants, eight detective sergeants, three chief inspectors, two detective chief inspectors and four superintendents.

Hampshire police officers start training on about £21,500, rising to just over £24,000 when they complete their probationary period.

Sergeants earn up to £38,000, while inspectors take home almost £47,000 and superintendents make a maximum of £67,000.

Pay battle Insp Geoff Crowe, chairman of Hampshire Police Federation, which represents rank and file officers, said the findings supported the federation's pay battle with the Government.

A 2.5 per cent pay rise has been agreed, but Home Secretary Jacqui Smith backdated it to December last year, rather than September - the start of the police year.

Inspector Crowe said many junior members beginning their career in the force had no option but to take a second job.

"The reality is that for a lot of young officers they need to do some additional work in order to supplement their incomes because when they first join the force their pay isn't that good," he said.

"Some people join from other occupations and actually end up taking a pay cut when they first join the police.

"At the other end of their career, some officers are preparing for their retirement."

He added that officers were dealt a huge blow in 1994 when they stripped of their rental allowance and now only receive £1,000 a year to subsidise the cost of living in pricey Hampshire.

He added that some officers travelled to work from as far away as Dorset, Wiltshire, Surrey and Sussex.

Eastleigh MP Chris Huhne claimed the Government's failure to honour its pay promises had driven officers to seek second jobs.

The Liberal Democrat home affairs spokesman said: "Police officers are too professional to let their anger interfere with their duties, and the chief constable would not give permission if second jobs were to undermine officers' ability to perform. But it is a worrying trend when so many police seem to be deciding that another job is the only option they can choose."

Hampshire Police Authority chairman Jacqui Rayment said she believed a second job did not impact on an officer's crime-fighting ability.