Pension scheme
Since 6 April 2006 all new entrants to the police service automatically join the new police pension scheme. The contribution rate is 9.5 per cent of pensionable pay. Part-time officers pay contributions on a pro rata basis.
Police officers are contracted out of the earnings-related part of the state pension scheme, so National Insurance contributions are paid at the lower, contracted-out rate. The maximum pension will be half final pensionable pay and is payable after 35 years' pensionable service. The earliest age for retirement is 55.
Other benefits of the new scheme include a tax-free lump sum of four times pension, paid in addition to the basic pension. Pensions for surviving spouses and partners will be payable for life. Pensions increase each year with the cost of living index.
Pension contributions made during previous employment may be transferred to the Police Pension Scheme. However, due to the relatively high contributions made to the Police Scheme, payments to other schemes may not equate to the same period in Police Service terms.
Hours of work
The normal working week is 40 hours on a shift basis. Staffordshire Police officers work a corporate shift pattern of two day shifts, two late shifts and two night shifts.
This would be followed by four rest days before the system starts again. Shift patterns may vary dependent on operational needs of individual units.
All ranks below Superintendent are entitled to two rest days a week and compensation if required to work over those two days. They are also entitled to leave or compensation in lieu of public holidays.
Part-time working
Police officers from student officer to Chief Inspector may be able to work part time, although some requests to do so may have to be refused for operational reasons. As a general rule, the same terms and conditions should apply to part-time officers as apply to full-time officers, where appropriate on a pro-rata basis.
You can apply to join the police service as a part-time officer but whilst on probation you must work an average of at least 24 hours a week (1,248 hours a year). Initial training must be completed on a full-time basis. Officers working part-time will not be exempt from working shifts - including night duties.
The annual salary of a part-time (or job-sharing) probationer, Constable or Sergeant is that of a full-time officer calculated on a pro rata basis.
Overtime
Overtime is subject to operational requirements.
Part-time officers who work additional hours are paid at plain time rates for the extra hours worked. Part-time officers only qualify for enhanced rates when the hours worked are in excess of 40 hours a week. Casual overtime for Constables and Sergeants is paid at time plus a third. Casual overtime is overtime worked at the end of a shift which was not notified or rostered. In these circumstances, the first 30 minutes of the overtime is not paid unless more than four such periods have been worked during any seven day period. (The seven-day period starts on the first occasion casual overtime is worked).
Rest day working - where more than 15 days notice of the requirement to work on a rest day is given then another rest day will be granted in lieu. Where less than 15 days notice is given, an allowance at time and a half is payable, and where less than five days notice is given, compensation is paid at double time.
Public holiday working - where less than eight days notice is received of the requirement to work a public holiday, an allowance at double time and a day off is received. Where eight days or more notice is received, an allowance at double time is payable. Alternatively, officers can choose to have time off in lieu of payment.
Accommodation and postings
All officers are required to perform duties at any location within the force area. No undertaking can be given to post anyone close to home or to a selected district either on appointment or in service. Officers must find their own accommodation, with the place of residence subject to the approval of the Chief Officer.
Disqualification for appointment
Officers must at all times follow the Code of Professional Standards and avoid behaviour likely to discredit the police service or interfere with the impartial discharge of their duties. Officers must not take any active part in politics.
Officers must promptly settle all debts and honour their financial commitments. Failure to discharge debts must be reported to the Chief Officer.
Requirements on appointment
Officers are required to have their fingerprints taken and kept on record for elimination purposes. New recruits are required to provide a DNA sample which will be retained on a separate database for elimination purposes only.
Probation
Constables are on probation for two years. This may be extended in certain circumstances at the discretion of the Chief Officer.
During this period your services may be dispensed with at any time if the Chief Officer considers you are unable to perform the duties of a Constable effectively or if you misconduct yourself.
In such circumstances you would be entitled to one month’s notice or a month’s pay in lieu and the return of your pension contributions (if appropriate).
Under the Police Pension Scheme if you leave the service with less than two years’ qualifying service without entitlement to any other PPS award, you can either ask for your PPS benefits to be transferred to another pension scheme or have your pension contributions returned, less deduction of tax and a deduction to contract you back in to the State Second Pension. For part-time Constables, the period of probation will be a minimum of two years extended on a pro-rata basis according to the average hours worked per week.
Promotion
Currently all appointments to higher ranks are filled from within the police service.
Candidates must pass the promotion process in their force.
Annual leave
All ranks below Superintendent are entitled to periods of annual leave on full pay. Officers with less than two years service receive 22 days annual leave per year. Officers with two years service receive 25 days.
Part-time officers are entitled to the same number of days annual leave as full-time officers with the same amount of service, but the time credited will be on a pro rata basis.
Maternity leave, maternity support leave, adoption leave and career breaks
Women officers are entitled to maternity leave. This can be for the whole (or part/s) of the period between 6 months before and no later than 12 months after the expected date of birth.
Women officers are entitled to three months paid maternity leave, if they have served continuously for a year or more by the start of the 11th week before the expected birth date and are still pregnant or have given birth 15 weeks before the expected birth date.
All officers have the right to return to work following maternity leave. The police service is committed to enabling and supporting individuals who request work on a reduced hours basis, either part-time or job-sharing. Therefore, the opportunity to return to part-time or job-share work may also be available.
Officers are entitled to two weeks maternity support leave, the first of which will be on full pay, if they are the child’s father or the mother’s partner, or the nominated carer of an expectant mother at the time of birth. Officers who have 26 weeks continuous service at the 14th week before the expected week of confinement will be entitled to be paid for the 2nd week at statutory paternity pay rate.
Adoptive parents will be allowed two weeks adoption support leave, the first of which will be on full pay, at or around the time of adoption. Officers who have 26 weeks continuous service at the notification week will be entitled to be paid for the second week at statutory paternity pay rate.
Police officers who have completed their probationary period may apply for a career break up to a maximum of five years to enable them to carry out, for example, caring responsibilities. Approval is a matter for the Chief Officer, taking into consideration matters such as health, attendance and conduct.
Sick Leave
Officers receive full pay during the first six months of any absence due to sickness or injury with entitlement to half pay for a further six months.
Occupational Health
A wide range of professional support and advice is available on health, welfare and safety issues.
Fitness
Officers will be regularly tested for fitness during probation and are required to maintain their levels of fitness during their service.
Uniform and Equipment
Uniform and equipment are provided free by the Police Authority. When leaving the force, the officer returns them to the Police Authority.
Membership of Trade Unions
On appointment a Constable becomes a member of the Police Federation. Police officers may not join a Trade Union, but existing members joining the Police Service may, with the consent of the Chief Officer, remain members of that Union.
Allowances
Officers in some forces receive additional allowances to complement their salary. You should refer to the force brochure or contact your local Recruitment Office for more information.
