Essex Police chief calls for a pay rise for officers

Essex Police Chief Constable Ben-Julian Harrington became the first boss outside the capital to call for extra money for his officers on Friday.

He broke his silence after the Police Federation in England and Wales found constables have suffered a real terms pay cut of 17 per cent since 2000.

According to Essex Police’s website, the starting salary range for a police officer is £28,812 to £29,682.

Concerned - Chief Constable of Essex Police Ben-Julian Harrington (Image: Newsquest)

The salary then goes up in yearly increments up to £43,032 within seven years, along with a host of unspecified benefits.

But Mr Harrington revealed one of the force’s stations now has a food bank to ensure staff can have a hot meal while on shift.

Gazette readers have now rallied behind the chief constable, saying they support his call for more money.

In a poll on our website, 62 per cent of readers said they believe police officers should receive a pay rise.

Dedicated - new officers during a passing out parade (Image: Essex Police)

Pace said: “Of course they should, people who work on the ground daily have to be professional and focused, on the ball and deal with so many situations with all sorts of people and their behaviour.

“Police officers, daily, have one of the most stressful and psychological jobs, in my opinion.

For news updates straight to your inbox, sign up to our court and crime newsletter here.

“I can't even imagine what they have to see on a regular basis and the pressure to remain professional.

“Their job is very dangerous because of having to deal with so many heated and complex different situations.”

Rallying cry - Chief Constable Ben-Julian Harrington (Image: Essex Police)

Duck Egg Blue added: “I was shocked at reading about nurses having to rely on food banks… now this.”

Mr Harrington said many officers – including those at sergeant level – are leaving the profession to find better paying work elsewhere, during his press conference on Friday.

He revealed one detective has been tempted back to her old job selling double glazing while another resigned to become a £250-a-day scaffolder.

“You can’t taser the gas bill and you can’t handcuff the family food shop at Lidl. And you can’t arrest rising mortgage bills.

Press conference - Ben-Julian Harrington addressed the media on Friday (Image: Essex Police)

“How can it be right you can earn £20,000 more selling Nissans in Romford than working as a PC?”

Gazette reader Flying Solo said the salary offered to officers is “diabolical”.

Nebs added: “Let local forces keep half of all the money recovered under the Proceeds of Crime Act to fund overtime.”

But Big Nose said he struggles to find sympathy for Mr Harrington’s comments, adding scaffolding is “a very demanding job”.

Vierydog said: “They [police officers] are lucky to have pensions to pay into and terms and conditions.

“In the real world pay rises are not given for nothing.”

We passionately believe in providing unrivalled quality journalism and value for money.

With a digital subscription, you can access our exclusive, insightful and trustworthy local news from just £1 a week.

If you are not already subscribing, sign up today to get instant access to our trusted local coverage - and an ad-light experience - check what package works best for you here.