Average cost of a fully-trained police constable/sergeant

Tony McNulty MP the Minister of State for policing, security and community safety recently answered a Parliamentary question as to what the average cost of a fully-trained police constable and police community support officer (PCSOs) was in the most recent year for which figures are available.

Mr McNulty stated that the average estimated cost of employing a police officer (sergeant and constable) in 2005 was approximately £45,500. This estimate includes all pay related costs including overtime payments and employer national insurance contributions. It also makes an allowance for notional employer pension contributions. He also stated that the Home Office do not routinely maintain data on PCSO salaries but that a report by Accenture on terms and conditions for PCSOs, which was published on February 3 2006 showed that and the average total cash reward (basic salary plus allowances and overtime) was £20,500.