Danger money for officers mooted

Police could be offered annual bonuses, thought to be up to £500, to patrol Manchester's crime hotspots.

The idea is being discussed to attract experienced officers to work in areas plagued by gang-related crime like Moss Side, Longsight and Cheetham Hill.

Greater Manchester Police said the Police Authority would have to agree to the responsibility-related payments.

Greater Manchester Police Federation, which represents rank-and-file officers, has criticised the idea.

The organisation claims such payments would be "divisive" and fears they could create further tension between divisions.

Chris Burrows, federation chairman elect, said: "The federation already sees the current bonus system as a divisive payment. It means officers are competing against each other. Not everyone gets the same."

Discussions under way

A bonus scheme is already in place to reward officers on the front-line. On-call inspectors can earn an extra £3,000 on top of their salary.

If agreed, the "danger money" bonuses could come into force next September.

A GMP spokesperson said: "GMP currently implements the national special priority payment (SPP) scheme for identified posts in a standard way across the force.

"The payment reflects officers' front-line roles and additional responsibilities and the criteria used for its allocation is approved by the Greater Manchester Police Authority.

"The use of this payment and different elements of it is currently being discussed by divisional commanders across the force.

"There are currently no definite plans to change the way in which it is allocated and any proposals would have to be submitted to the police authority for discussion and agreement."