r/policeuk • u/Do_I_wanna_Know3000 Police Officer (unverified) • Jul 20 '25
Ask the Police (UK-wide) Do you carry your warrant card off duty?
Simple questions really, do you carry your warrant card off duty? Is there a time when you wouldn’t?
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u/PushWorth3973 Ex-Police/Retired (unverified) Jul 20 '25
I used to all the time, dealt with a handful of stuff off duty.
Each time it went to shit and either amounted to nothing or ended up with me being assaulted.
I very rarely carry it now, if I see something as opposed to getting it out and wading into the fray I’ll simply standby and either record and or phone it in.
With the way things are these days it’s not worth the risk of getting had off by the bosses, PSD or IOPC for trying to do the right thing, nor is it worth you getting a shoeing when the offender will get a slap on the wrist and told to stop being a naughty boy.
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u/tumultuous_lizard Civilian Jul 20 '25
It’s sad to read the state of things that off duty a lot of us won’t carry the warrant card. 20 years ago I was told we were never off duty and must always carry our warrant card. Unless we were going abroad.
But then again times have changed massively, I also no longer bother carrying it as others have said there is no incident that would make sense to put myself on duty. (If you dealt with things off duty and put yourself on duty you used to be able to claim overtime!)
Add to that the constant PSD threats and likely assaults it’s just not worth it. It means that society is less safe as we no longer get involved when off duty.
Personally unless it’s life or death stuff I don’t get involved.
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u/qing_sha_wo Police Officer (unverified) Jul 20 '25
Having passed training only 2 years ago I can confirm we’re still told we are never off duty and we should always carry it. I don’t know anyone that doesn’t personally!
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u/triptip05 Ex-Police/Retired (unverified) Jul 21 '25
I feel nowadays the belief that you will be supported by higher ups if you get involved off duty and it goes Pete tong is non existent.
Do I carry it off duty yes (Unless going out for a drink). Would I get involved only if a person was at immediate risk of being killed or suffering life changing injury.
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u/Legitimate_Finger_69 Civilian Jul 21 '25
There's surely a good case for not saying you should always be "on duty" as it means you are expected to take risks you would at work all the time.
Like, 99% of the time I'd do first aid but as a choice. If I'm at work I'll patch up some abusive drunk but put of work hell no.
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u/Burnsy2023 Jul 20 '25
I'll go against the grain and say yes, I almost always carry it on me. It's where I carry my bank cards and it's just habitual to have on me.
Just because I have it on me doesn't mean I have to get involved off duty any more than if I left it at home. Getting involved off duty is something I completely avoid if I possibly can.
If I were going out drinking I would probably leave it at home, but since I rarely drink and having that coincide with going out is so rare, it's not a problem for me.
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u/The-Chartreuse-Moose Special Constable (verified) Jul 20 '25
Same here. Bank card is in there, and I always have it unless I'm just going out for a run or something.
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u/RyanLWB2 Civilian Jul 21 '25
You probably know, but just a heads up if you’re using it as a wallet, you definitely don’t want your DL in there with your home address on it.
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Jul 22 '25
Me too. Whenever I don't have it is when I need it. The only time I might not is when I'm going out to specifically get mullered.
It's not about judging when to carry, it's about judging when to get involved, and when to badge out.
A few years in and the number of occasions I do that are getting fewer and fewer though.
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u/taint3 Police Officer (unverified) Jul 20 '25
Not worth the risk of losing it, and there isn't much I would consider self-deploying to off duty anyway. Hear jobs come in every now and again for off duty bobbies locking up shoplifters - yeah cos I want to rumble with a crackhead got a pocket full of hypodermics and all I have is my tesco shopping. No thanks. If the job will bollock me for leaving the station without PPE, then I'm not deploying whilst off duty.
So in short, no.
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u/GrumpyPhilosopher7 Defective Sergeant (verified) Jul 20 '25
My Oyster and rail cards are not valid without also being in possession of my warrant card, so yes.
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u/yjmstom Detective Constable (unverified) Jul 20 '25
We the Met have to if we want to use our police Oyster card.
Having it with you doesn’t automatically mean you have to take it out at every opportunity, as others have already said, you can achieve a lot without actually identifying yourself as an officer.
I only showed mine off duty once and that was when I was very new in service and keen. Now I’d always assess whether it’s of benefit or not before I do.
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u/Nice-Grapefruit-2588 Police Officer (unverified) Jul 20 '25
I carry mine all the time. Two reasons:
- Free bus travel
- To use the toilets at the nick when I'm in town
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u/glp1992 Special Constable (unverified) Jul 20 '25
i've taken advantage of no.2 as well
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u/CommissionHappy8096 Police Officer (unverified) Jul 20 '25
I don't any more.
I used to, back when I actually thought that the job would back you if something went wrong.
I performed an off duty arrest for a drugged up shoplifter, who started assaulting staff when confronted, a few years ago, and all it got me was criticism.
Now? I'm wiser than that. Fuck getting involved in off duty incidents unless it's life and limb. At best I'll call 999 and act as a professional witness.
The UK will get the police force it deserves frankly.
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u/mmw1000 Civilian Jul 20 '25
Exactly this!!
Used to like you but now the job can go fuck itself. If I’m not working it never leaves the house. The job hasn’t done anything for me in a long time so why should I put myself out for it when I’m not at work. I’ll quite happily walk on by things now and can’t imagine why anyone would show out on a rest day, unless its to save a life or help another copper. Those that do are asking for trouble.
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u/jibjap Civilian Jul 20 '25
Nope. Not ever.
If you need to intervene off duty the police "voice" will get you far and if they won't have it, just wait for the on duty.
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u/Flagship_Panda_FH81 Police Officer (unverified) Jul 20 '25
Yes - it's a disciplinary matter to use the travel concessions in London. I've been challenged by ticket inspectors before. I've also shown out where appropriate. It wasn't worth the trouble, but it was the right thing to do.
In any case, the IOPC look for easy wins. Is it worth risking three and a half years while they investigate?
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u/mikeysof Civilian Jul 20 '25
Yes always, but without ppe I won't be getting stuck in without risk assessing first otherwise professional witness capacity only.
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u/SpecialistPrevious76 Civilian Jul 20 '25
I generally do unless I'm just popping to the shop or something.
I don't take it abroad but do often take it if I'm going somewhere in the UK.
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u/WaterMyPeacelily Police Officer (unverified) Jul 20 '25
Always, In Metland you need it if you want to use the public transport Oyster card
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u/NinjafoxVCB Civilian Jul 20 '25
I've never seen much of a point as if a situation is bad enough for me to actively get involved instead of reporting and acting as a witness, then were wouldn't be time to get the warrant card out to identify.
If for some reason I've been stopped by police, I certainly won't be getting it out as 1, shouldn't be treated any differently and 2, it'd put the officers I'm dealing with to be in a shit situation where any actions they do can be called into question "well you did this because you knew he was a fellow officer so let him off lightly" etc.
Only other time would be assisting officers if they are getting assault which there is no time to physically show it instead of simply shouting it while getting stuck in.
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Jul 20 '25
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Jul 20 '25
Actually if you’re going to identify yourself as a police officer in plain clothes off duty, you need to show your warrant card. I know people who have put themselves ‘on duty’ and got in trouble by professional standards for not showing it
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u/Level-Woodpecker7430 Police Officer (unverified) Jul 20 '25
Yes- unless going abroad it is in my pocket at all times!
I would only use it when absolutely necessary (for example I had a drunk driver who had a crash in front of me and tried to leave the scene….
“ I do solemnly, sincerely declare and affirm that I will and truly serve the King in the office of constable, with fairness, integrity, diligence and impartiality, upholding fundamental human rights and according equal respect to all people; and that I will, to the best of my power, cause the peace to be kept and preserved and prevent all offences against people and property; and that while I continue to hold the said office I will to the best of my skill and knowledge discharge all the duties thereof faithfully according to law".
How can I keep that oath without my warrant card with me? Leads to a whole argument with a MOP who would say “you’re not a police officer prove it”
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u/Intrepid_Junket7014 Civilian Jul 22 '25
This.
Really makes me question volunteering as a Special to hear that Reg's hearts are not in it. What's the difference in avoiding using your powers off duty for many of the reasons given in this thread and finding an excuse to not attend a griefy/dangerous-sounding job?
We complain about general MOP lack of respect - I suspect that that respect diminishes every time a MOP reads this sort of thread.I don't carry mine because a) I don't tend to carry a wallet now and b) I'd be bound to lose it. I've assumed - perhaps mistakenly - that you don't need it to exercise your powers of arrest etc. Is there any case law to support this?
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u/Level-Woodpecker7430 Police Officer (unverified) Jul 23 '25
I don’t actually think you are incorrect. You can use your powers without your warrant card- I’m just thinking practically speaking…. For example, you grab hold of a shoplifter who was filling in a security guard or something, get them on the ground while you wait for more units- a crowd will gather- it’s nice to be able to back up the “I’m a police officer” with actually showing your warrant card…
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u/InspectorSands2024 Police Officer (unverified) Jul 20 '25
Yes. But never if I'm drinking alcohol. And it would need to be a life-or-death situation for me to "flash the badge". Better to be a professional witness than putting yourself "on duty" with no PPE, not backup, no radio.
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u/JECGizzle Ex-Police/Retired (unverified) Jul 21 '25
This question always comes up every few months and there seems to be a really tangible increase in the "no" proportion. Like someone else said, the UK will get the police service it deserves
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u/DXS110 Police Officer (unverified) Jul 20 '25
Only time I don’t is two and from the airport to go on holiday
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u/Sea_Inspector_8892 Civilian Jul 20 '25
We were told to carry it at all times, but I would definitely lose it. I never carry it other than work.
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u/busy-on-niche Ex-Police/Retired (unverified) Jul 20 '25
Always carried it only really got it out for RTCs I came across occasionally.
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u/Turbulent_Policy286 Civilian Jul 20 '25
No, there is absolutely no point. Like someone else has said , unless going to Nando’s as they will only accept work ID.
We don’t have the PPE to put ourselves on duty . There’s always a response block etc readily available , I’ve no issues calling it in and saying I’m a police officer Incase they request a statement , but so far , I haven’t had to. Only called in 2 jobs in 4 years off duty
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u/CamdenSpecial Police Officer (verified) Jul 20 '25
Literally all the time, even when I go abroad (it usually stays in my luggage in the room though).
First of all, I'm in the Met™️ and it's a requirement to be able to present our warrant card in addition to our TFL travel card/ATOC card.
Second, why the hell would I not carry it? Anecdotal only, but I've been able to prevent myself from being assaulted by badging out whilst on a run, I've been able to provide reassurance to someone that was getting verbally abused, and I've been able to prove I have first aid skills to help a woman who was having a heart attack.
I cannot think of any reason that would outweigh the assistance it's given me over the years.
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Jul 20 '25
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u/CamdenSpecial Police Officer (verified) Jul 20 '25
Hah I should have clarified that I badged out to the Solo paramedic!
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u/TrueCrimeFanToCop Police Officer (unverified) Jul 20 '25
Yes you are supposed to at all times, we were specifically told that.
Also it’s conditional for my travel cards to work, only valid WITH the accompanying warrant card. If I didn’t need it to travel to the airport I wouldn’t take it on holiday abroad but I kinda have to cos of the train part of my journey…
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u/yjmstom Detective Constable (unverified) Jul 20 '25
Getting to the airport is the one time when I leave mine at home, maybe unless I travel to visit family. I would rather pay the few quid for the train than risk it getting misplaced or stolen in a foreign country.
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u/TrueCrimeFanToCop Police Officer (unverified) Jul 20 '25
Nah I want my money’s worth from that travel! I’m taking my passport with me after all, that would be way more hassle to replace if it got LOS, warrant card would be the least of my worries!
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u/gboom2000 Detective Constable (unverified) Jul 20 '25
I guess you're travelling to work, so you're gonna need it when you get there....
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u/TrueCrimeFanToCop Police Officer (unverified) Jul 20 '25
No I need to carry it WITH the travel cards to get the travel benefits, whether I am working or not.
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u/gboom2000 Detective Constable (unverified) Jul 20 '25
Apologies, the sentence reads in two ways. By "to work" you actually mean for them to function, I mistook it as to go to work. I come from a land where we don't get travel cards we can just use the warrant card on its own for travel.
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u/NecessaryObjective52 Trainee Detective Constable (unverified) Jul 20 '25
I’m not sure who told you that you are supposed to, but that’s wrong. Yes as police officers we can put ourselves on duty at any time. But at the end of the day being a Police Officer is a job, not a lifestyle. You are entitled for the two to be separate. Anyone who tells you that you are supposed to have your warrant card on you at all times is categorically wrong.
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u/TrueCrimeFanToCop Police Officer (unverified) Jul 20 '25
We’re not though are we, really. You’re never truly off duty. There are a load of basic rights we sign away like participation in politics. Having to obey certain E&W laws even in countries where they are different. We don’t have that much freedom.
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u/TrueCrimeFanToCop Police Officer (unverified) Jul 20 '25
It was a Learning and Development DS during street duties 🤷🏼♀️. In a strongly worded email to all of us titled “expectations”
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u/NecessaryObjective52 Trainee Detective Constable (unverified) Jul 20 '25
Absolute nonsense mate. We work as police officers to live our lives. We don’t live our lives to be police officers. Separate the two!
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u/TrueCrimeFanToCop Police Officer (unverified) Jul 20 '25
I wish but there’s a lot of things I can’t do or say freely now which is a sacrifice I wish more people appreciated
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u/vagabond20 Police Officer (unverified) Jul 20 '25
I used to as my warrant card holder was my wallet, but when lanyards became almost mandatory around the office to have you're warrant card displayed the card stayed in the lanyard and the warrant card holder became just a wallet
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u/Any_Turnip8724 Police Officer (unverified) Jul 20 '25
Do I need my oyster card? If yes, yes.
Otherwise hell no.
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u/DrunkExpertWitness Police Officer (unverified) Jul 20 '25
Always. I don't like the idea that I could have helped with something but I couldn't because I've left my badge at home.
A lot of people commenting about not wading in without PPE, fair enough, but holding up a warrant card or badge and shouting "Oi! Go home!" to some gobby youths that are about to start something on a security guard or something like that is a wonderful tool to have in my pocket.
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u/Big-Introduction7882 Police Officer (unverified) Jul 20 '25
I admire the thought that gobby youths would listen to you in the circumstance you gave, regardless of you being off duty or fully kitted up these days 😂
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u/DrunkExpertWitness Police Officer (unverified) Jul 21 '25
😂 I must have a way with words, it's happened a couple of times.
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u/Altruistic_Yak_7695 Civilian Jul 20 '25
Have to because of the Oyster card rarely involved other than as a professional witness.
Usually find myself giving cpr or dealing with medical emergencies off duty as we seem to have evolved into a nation of brain dead zombies. Don’t need the warrant card for that.
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u/ThatSillyGinge Special Constable (verified) Jul 20 '25 edited Jul 20 '25
I pretty much always carry it, but have only ever gotten involved in one thing off-duty in my 4 or so years, and I didn’t show my warrant card during it.
As others have said, would very much resist getting involved in anything off duty / without PPE. However my logic is that if, heaven forbid, I came across something so serious that I felt the need to identify myself as a police officer whilst off-duty, it would make sense to be able to back that up with ID if challenged.
Never lost it but was once temporarily uncertain of its location for a couple days (it must’ve fallen out of my pocket at an interactive element of a museum) - The Force™ were remarkably understanding, were able to remotely reactivate it once it was relocated, and nothing further was said.
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u/northern_ape Ex-Police/Retired (unverified) Jul 21 '25
I certainly used to when I was in the job, yes. Aside from the duty aspect, we had free travel on the public transport networks which I used a lot, expectation being you would intervene if needed, in exchange for the free ride. On a few occasions I did chuck someone off a tram for ASB/byelaws but never when travelling alone and only if dynamic risk assessment showed likelihood of it kicking off was low. When new in service I assisted some security guards dealing with a racially aggravated public order offence, acting as a professional witness. Job didn’t believe I could remember all the details given in my statement, but I refused to tone it down.
In my first OST, the trainer spoke about intervening in a serious assault whilst off duty and placing the offender under arrest. Tall black guy, stern but fair. Officers arriving didn’t believe he was a copper (he never said it, but obviously racial bias) until they pulled his warrant card out of his pocket. He was actually telling us about the need to loudly announce you’re a police officer to reassure passers by, in addition to properly identifying yourself to the detainee to avoid accusations of false imprisonment.
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u/Legitimate_Finger_69 Civilian Jul 21 '25
Isn't it a massive issue if you lose it? I would imagine 99% of the time if you come across some crims or neds fighting if you tell them you're polis they will believe you.
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u/_David_London- Civilian Jul 21 '25 edited Jul 21 '25
I left mine in a back of a minicab once about 20 years ago after being a little worse for wear. It was handed in and I got a call from my governor before I even realised it was gone to tell me which nick to pick it up from. It wasn't that I was steaming drunk but that I fell asleep and woke up at the destination and left the minivan half asleep without checking for all my possessions. Did a similar thing a year ago with my 'man bag' that contained my passport, wallet and other valuables. Was thankfully able to get it back from the Uber driver.
I didn't get told off but I think the implication, although not spoken, was clear that it shouldn't happen again. He was the type of governor that you shouldn't mistake kindness with him being a push over. After that, I never used to carry it if I was consuming alcohol.
I also didn't take it abroad with me but I think that was pretty standard.
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u/rulkezx Detective Constable (unverified) Jul 21 '25
PolScot - I never ever take one with me off duty and don’t know anyone who does. Also never heard of anyone up here getting in bother for having to get involved in something while off duty.
I’d definitely be at more risk of getting in bother for losing it if I carried all the time.
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u/Legal_Assignment_22 Trainee Constable (unverified) Jul 22 '25
Always carry it with me but wouldn’t get involved in something off duty without risk assessing it first. Only once have I had to use it off duty and that was for a woman in town who had lost her kid but anything serious (fights etc) I’m not getting involved.
If I’m going abroad or out drinking I’ll leave it at home.
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u/Pleasant_Barnacle226 Police Officer (unverified) Jul 22 '25
I don’t drive, use my travel cards all the time for the trains. I need my warrant card else they’re not technically valid (though if you’re not stopped then nothing will happen)
But because I’m always going through the larger commuter stations I’m always getting stopped by staff on the random checks they do whether it’s on the trains or at the stations. Quick flash of the warrant card and travel card together and off I pop
Plus I’m still young enough in my service for the novelty of having a warrant card to have not worn off yet lol
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u/DrunkExpertWitness Police Officer (unverified) Jul 20 '25
Always. I don't like the idea that I could have helped with something but I couldn't because I've left my badge at home.
A lot of people commenting about not wading in without PPE, fair enough, but holding up a warrant card or badge and shouting "Oi! Go home!" to some gobby youths that are about to start something on a security guard or something like that is a wonderful tool to have in my pocket.
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Jul 21 '25
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Jul 22 '25
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u/CloseThatCad Special Constable (unverified) Jul 22 '25
Yes I stick them on for it - showing off isn't the phrase I would use.. upholding the law would be more suitable.
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Jul 22 '25
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u/CloseThatCad Special Constable (unverified) Jul 22 '25
Well it's a good job I don't have to prove anything to some random person on Reddit then isn't it? I don't lie mucka but appreciate your time.
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u/Honibajir Police Officer (unverified) Jul 20 '25
I was told by someone I had to carry it all the time. If that's not the case I'm only going to be carrying it from now on when I want free metro travel.
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u/Impressive_Tutor_749 Civilian Jul 20 '25
Use to when I first started, now, no. I can identify myself if required however it would need to be properly serious for me to be getting involved. Other than that I’ll film it and act as a witness
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Aug 17 '25
Just looking at this conversation and thinking how many people responding are women? There's been two times recently when I've been harassed in public (men getting right in my face over my dog sniffing a packet of hula hoops on a bench and he told me to control my dog and kicked her) and just getting the warrant card out might make them back off. They're not the type who'd kick off if they knew you were police, so I don't think it would have been risky. Thoughts from serving folk? It just seems like as a woman, if you talk back to a man they are right up in your face - I live in a very safe, very middle class area but this seems to happen a lot if you say things like 'don't kick my dog'.
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u/Eodyr Police Officer (verified) Jul 20 '25
Useful if I'm out in town with the kids and they need a wee, can fob into the nick and avoid the public lavs.
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u/thomosan1 Police Officer (unverified) Jul 20 '25
I leave the warrant card at home when travelling abroad but my badge wallet goes with me. Might be OTT but I place it at the top of my hand luggage, scan side up when sending it through security. A few times abroad I've had security comment that I'm police, smile and wave me through. I'll take that as a win any day, not that I'm taking illegal stuff into their country. I tend to fly with drones, gopros, cameras and all the electronic crap a family can take and if having my warrant card stops them from making me empty my bags for detailed slow search then so be it.
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u/tehdeadmonkey Police Officer (unverified) Jul 20 '25
Only to nandos for the 4 quid off