Three forces to pay new PCs maximum wage
Three more forces have agreed to pay new police constables (PC) the upper limit of just under £22,000.
Three more forces have agreed to pay new police constables (PC) the upper limit of just under £22,000.
Following the recent announcements that Hampshire, Surrey and Thames Valley forces would all pay their new recruits more than £21,000, higher than the £19,000 proposed in the Winsor Review, Staffordshire, Warwickshire and West Mercia Police have all confirmed they will offer the maximum potential wage of £21,999 to new PCs, the first forces to offer the upper limit. This is down from the old starting rate of £23,259.
Andy Parker, chief constable for Warwickshire Police, said the decision to offer the highest possible salary was necessary to attract the best and brightest candidates to the roles.
We need to attract the best possible recruits into the police service and I believe a lower starting salary would hinder that ambition, he said. The role of the police constable is demanding and at times dangerous this needs to be reflected in their pay.
West Mercia Police Chief Constable David Shaw echoed Mr Parkers views, adding: A competitive salary is crucial in attracting the very best recruits.
The police and crime commissioners (PCCs) for the respective force areas also supported the decision.
Warwickshire PCC Ron Ball said: I do not agree with the lowering of starting salaries for police officers.
It directly contravenes Mr Winsor`s stated aim to improve the professional status of policing.
Bill Longmore, PCC for West Mercia, claimed both forces had made a fair decision that would offer future PCs a decent salary.
He said: Some of the people we will recruit will have taken a drop in pay so its important that we are competitive.
Staffordshire Police said its plans were conditional on applicants displaying the requisite qualities.