salary and shifts
- Salaries vary between different forces but the typical starting salary for police constables in England and Wales is £22,680 on commencing service and £25,317 on completion of the initial training period. In Scotland and Northern Ireland, the typical starting salary is £23,259, rising to £25,962 after the intial training period.
- Range of typical salaries after several years' experience: £35,610 - £40,020 (sergeant); £45,624 - £49,488 (inspector); £51,789 - £53,919 (chief inspector).
- London weighting up to £6,501 and additional competency-related threshold payments are available for all ranks.
- Other benefits (dependent on location) can include free London travel, flexible working and key worker living benefits.
- A police pension scheme is automatically provided but individuals may choose to make independent pension provision.
- A working week is 37-40 hours, with an average of two rest days. Police officers provide a 24-hour public service and so unsocial hours, shift work and emergency call-outs are a regular feature of the job. Overtime may be available and is paid at a higher rate