“Unpleasant tasks” police bonus system defended

POLICE chiefs have defended a bonus system for officers performing “particularly unpleasant tasks” – including dealing with dead bodies and attending difficult fatal road accidents.

ACPO said the payments recognise when the work being done can test “even the most seasoned” of officers. Neil Bowles, chairman of South Yorkshire Police Federation, said bonuses are awarded to officers who go “above and beyond the call of duty.”

Steve White, Vice-Chairman of the Police Federation of England and Wales, said: “Officers’ remuneration should reflect the sometimes extraordinary tasks they are asked to perform.”

Figures obtained by the Mail on Sunday using the Freedom of Information Act 2000 showed some police officers and staff are paid compensation ranging from £50 to £500 for tasks including attending the scene of a car crash or murder.

South Yorkshire Police paid out £2,700 in 2011-12 for unpleasant work.

Mr Bowles, who sits on the force panel which decides who receives these bonus awards, added that they are given to officers who are involved in “long, arduous and unpleasant” tasks that not every police officer or member of police staff would experience.

He said the maximum amount officers could receive is £500 – although this is rarely awarded.

ACPO’S national policing lead for recognition and reward, Thames Valley’s Deputy Chief Constable Francis Habgood, said: “Even within policing there are some tasks we have to do which are particularly outstanding in their nature and which even the most experienced of police officers can find emotionally draining and challenging.

“There is a small proportion of such cases, but even the most seasoned of officers deserve some recognition for particularly unpleasant tasks, tasks which can include for instance; searching a decomposing body or removing fatalities from a particularly distressing scene.

“These bonuses are not designed to reward officers for merely doing their day-to-day jobs, but to recognise when the task at hand can try even the toughest emotional and professional resolve.”

Mr White added: “While police officers are expected to undertake a wide range of work as part of their day-to-day responsibilities they are occasionally required to perform tasks which are particularly unpleasant.

“Chief officers have the discretion to recognise such work with what is often a very modest payment and officers who have carried out such duties are entitled to this recognition.”