Donna Jones, reacts to the police officer pay rise
21 July 2022
“Police officers do an amazing job, running towards danger to keep people safe. It is the least they deserve for the important work they do, day in and day out.”
The Police and Crime Commissioner for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, Donna Jones, has said that she is pleased to see hard-working police officers recognised with a pay rise which was announced earlier this week.
The Home Office revealed that from September, police officers of all ranks in England and Wales will receive an extra £1,900 – equivalent to a 5% increase overall.
The Commissioner said the rise was overdue, but welcome, and will benefit those on lower ends of the police officer pay scale.
She continued: “I am pleased the Government has accepted the pay recommendations in full, however I would like to see more recognition of the work police officers do.
“Officers work tirelessly, often in very difficult circumstances, to keep communities safe, and this pay award is the least they deserve for the amazing job they do.
“Police officers, and police staff, have been working in a particularly tough environment the last few years. They have been on the frontline dealing with the pandemic and have gone above and beyond to police our country in exceptional circumstances.”
“Rewarding officers on the lower end of the scale is a step in the right direction, and I hope the increase will go some way towards easing the pressures of the rise in the cost of living.
“However, I would also like to hear what plans the Government has to ensure police staff are also recognised for their equally important roles.”
The Home Office has said the Government will be part funding the pay rise and will be supporting forces with an additional £350 million over the next three years to help cover the associated costs of the pay award, described as supporting a strong and sustained investment to allow policing to deliver.
Commissioner Jones, concluded: “We need to look at the detail closely, specifically what this means for future plans for the Hampshire Constabulary budget.”