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Police officer : Salary and conditions

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  1. Job description
  2. Salary and conditions
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Case studies

  • Range of typical starting salaries: between £22,104 on commencing service and £26,109 on completion of the initial training period (salary data collected December 2009).
  • Range of typical salaries with experience (e.g. after 10-15 years in the role): £34,707-£39,006 (sergeant); £44,469-£48,234 (inspector) £49,221-£51,246 (Chief Inspector) (salary data collected December 2009).
  • London weighting (of up to £6,501) and additional competency-related threshold payments are available for all ranks.
  • Other benefits (dependent on location) can include free London travel, flexible working and key worker living benefits.
  • An automatic Police Pension Scheme is provided but individuals may choose to make independent pension provision.
  • A full-time working week is 37 hours, with an average of two rest days. Police officers provide a 24-hour public service so this is not a 'nine-to-five' job. Unsocial hours, shift work, and emergency call-outs are required. Overtime is available and is paid at a higher rate.
  • The daily working environment is variable. You may be in a patrol car, outside on the beat, at the station or attending court.
  • The environment can be physically demanding, potentially dangerous and at times deeply harrowing.
  • The work is pressurised, with officers facing a continual succession of calls on their time and resources.
  • Work conditions may be influenced by regional factors such as local terrain and culture, and size of the force.
  • Part-time working, job share and flexible hours are available. Career breaks are possible after the probationary period.
  • The police service is keen to reflect the diversity of the communities it serves and welcomes job applications from women, ethnic minority groups and the lesbian and gay community.
  • Job opportunities exist throughout the UK and transfers between forces are possible dependent on position availability and the suitability of the officer concerned.
  • A free uniform and equipment are provided. Police officers are expected to adhere to a dress code.
  • On appointment, police officers become members of the Police Federation of England & Wales , the Scottish Police Federation (SPF)  or the Police Federation for Northern Ireland which act in matters of Police welfare and pay and provide a range of ancillary benefits.
  • New police officers are not permitted to join an external trade union.
  • Police officers and sergeants usually retire after 35 years of service or on reaching the age of 60; various compulsory retirement ages apply for higher ranks (65 for those above chief inspector).
  • Police officers are governed by a code of conduct both on and off duty.
  • Travel away from home is rare but absence from home overnight may be common because of shift work.
 
AGCAS
Written by Janice Montgomery, University of Aberdeen
Date: 
January 2010
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