Police Federation response to Sir Hugh Orde comments
Following reports of Sir Hugh Orde warning that inadequately paid police officers could be more tempted to accept bribes, a Police Federation spokesman said:
“We are pleased Sir Hugh recognises the financial strain many officers are facing, much of which has come as a result of changes to their pay, terms and conditions, increased pension contributions and an increase in the cost of living which has affected much of the general public.
“We agree with Sir Hugh’s opinion that there is nothing to suggest this has impacted on officers’ integrity but also agree that the government and chief officers should be mindful of the pressure officers are facing both professionally and privately as a result of the reforms to policing.
“Many chief constables and PCCs have already used the discretion afforded them to modestly increase the £19,000 starting salary for police constables.”
