Police chief attack on pay award

Stephen Otter said in an e-mail to his officers he believed they should have been given the full pay award which was agreed at arbitration.

He has contacted all his officers to say that he will be supporting them in their fight.

He said he believed officers should feel valued for the work they do and was supporting the Police Federation.

'Excellent service'

In his letter, Mr Otter said he wanted to write to share his "disappointment at the police officer pay award announced by the Home Secretary this week".

"I, and my fellow chief officers, are fully aware that you are all committed to delivering an excellent service to the people of Devon and Cornwall and the continued increases in public satisfaction rates are a direct result of this hard work and commitment".

He added that he believed his officers "should feel valued for the work that you do in our communities and we will be supporting the Federation in their discussions with the government on this issue".

Officers are furious at Home Secretary Jacqui Smith's decision not to backdate a 2.5% pay rise for police in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

The 2.5% pay deal was decided through the independent Police Arbitration Tribunal.

It will see all police constables paid a minimum of £21,500, with those with the longest service receiving £33,800.

But officers say if it is introduced this month and not backdated to September, an entry level police constable will lose £131, and a sergeant will lose £206.

The Home Office would not comment specifically on Mr Otter's support but in a statement it said the government was grateful for the "vital" work of police officers but it had a duty to ensure pay awards were affordable.

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