The Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland (Acpos) has drawn up a code of conduct that dictates how staff should behave on and off duty.
Under the charter, which is due to come into force later this year, officers will be warned not to join groups or engage in activities that could tarnish the reputation of their force, or leave them open to blackmail or accusations of impropriety.
Sources involved in drawing up the code say membership of sectarian groups such as the Orange Order and extreme political parties including the British National party will not be tolerated.
They have also revealed that joining lobby groups such as Trident Ploughshares, the non-violent anti-nuclear campaign group, will also be banned. And officers will be warned that they could face disciplinary action if they visit strip bars or attend “swingers” parties.
The code will require officers to declare fiscal warning letters, and fixed-penalty fines for speeding, littering and dog-fouling offences.
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“Attendance at social events, membership of organisations and affiliation to particular groups should not compromise (a police officer’s) position as a member of the Scottish Police Service in any way,” the code states.
A source involved in drawing up the charter said: “There are some things that would raise eyebrows and call into question someone’s judgment, such as belonging to the Orange Order or a wife-swapping club. Some people will pick faults in this but the guidelines have to be broad and chief constables have to have some leeway.”
The policy follows concern over racism in the police service, highlighted by the BBC1 documentary The Secret Policeman, which showed racism among recruits at a training college.
Evidence has also emerged that officers banned from driving in Scotland are keeping their convictions secret, leaving chief constables vulnerable to legal action in the event that they injure or kill a member of the public while driving a patrol car.
However, the charter has sparked outrage among police officers, who claim it would undermine their human rights. Members of the Scottish Police Federation have claimed the code could be used to unfairly reprimand or discipline staff.
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There is also concern among officers who are freemasons that they could be targeted under the code.
The Orange Order has branded the code an affront to the organisation and the integrity of police officers in Scotland.
Ian Wilson, grand master of the Orange Order in Scotland, said he was appalled.
“It’s political correctness taken to the nth degree. They are saying they do not trust their own members; that’s an absolute insult.”
John Scott, a leading human-rights lawyer, said: “This could potentially raise human-rights issues. People involved in the justice system need to be beyond reproach, but if you want to restrict people’s freedom, you have to be explicit.”