ESSEX’S former Chief Constable was paid £112,000 in three months.

Figures just released by Police Commissioner Nick Alston reveal when Roger Baker left his post in July 2009, three months into the financial year, he received a £60,000 bonus on top of
his £37,000 salary for the quarter and more than £15,000 in expenses.

Mr Alston revealed the figures following criticism of the £192,000 salary he awarded to current chief constable Stephen Kavanagh.

Mr Kavanagh succeeded Jim Barker-McCardle earlier this year, who had taken over from Mr Baker in 2009.
 

Mr Alston said: “ A previous Chief Constable of Essex Police was paid significant bonuses and allowances, although the detail is not always clear.
 

“I am advised by the Essex Police finance department the then Chief Constable received two payments which were outside the national Police Negotiating Board agreements.
 

“Those decisions were made by the then Police Authority.
 

“Much of the rationale for their decision making is not in the public domain.
 

“In the interests of transparency and openness my judgement is that, in future, it should be.”

See the full story in Friday's newspaper.