NPCC: Police overtime pay is a flexible, cost-effective way of managing unexpected demand

CC Habgood said:

“Given the 24/7 nature of policing and the fact that serious incidents can arise at any time, overtime payment is an essential part of our pay mechanisms to recognise the fact that officers do frequently have to exercise extraordinary flexibility in their public service above and beyond their contracted hours. It should be noted that overtime is only claimed by officers at the rank of constable and sergeant and is governed by the Police Regulations, which set the overtime payment rates. Some of these were amended in April 2012 in light of the Winsor report on police pay and conditions.

“Overtime is a very flexible – and can be a very cost effective – way of managing unexpected demand and it is only right that officers whose lives are disrupted by a last-minute order to work an extended tour of duty or work on a rest day are compensated for that disruption. Certain roles are more susceptible of sudden changes, such as specialist officers on call, officers deployed to large operations (such as the 2014 NATO summit, for example) or the likes of close protection or surveillance officers whose work can change at short order to meet operational demands.

“With the current cuts regime, we are doing all we can to ensure that the police service offers the best value for taxpayers’ money and all forces have reduced overtime spend in recent years. However, with fewer officers and staff, we are having to work hard to ensure that we have as resilient a service as possible without putting undue stress on those who work to keep the streets safe. Due financial recognition is part of that.”

ENDS