TOM Winsor has no regrets about his police officer pay and conditions reviews.<\/p>\n
HM Chief Inspector of Constabulary \u2013 better known in policing for his two remuneration reports \u2013 used a speech to the Police Federation conference to commend cops for their \u201cbravery, professionalism and dedication\u201d.<\/p>\n
When he was asked if he would have done anything differently on pay and conditions, he replied \u201cno\u201d.<\/p>\n
Changes pushed through by the two Winsor reports include the abolition of Special Priority Payments and Competency Related Threshold Payments and a two year freeze on pay increments, which concludes in April 2014.<\/p>\n
He has also recommended direct entry into the service\u2019s senior ranks and the introduction of compulsory severance, although this is still being discussed by the Police Negotiating Board.<\/p>\n
Addressing the Fed conference for the very first time, Mr Winsor said: \u201cThe police service is going to be made more efficient and effective if the recommendations that I have made are implemented.<\/p>\n
\u201cI don\u2019t think we went too far or too fast. I would have like to have gone further in some respects.<\/p>\n
\u201cFor example I would have liked to have made it more flexible for chief officers to bring in people who have significant life experience and job experience somewhere elsewhere to higher parts of the pay scale than they can at the moment. I would have liked to be able to do that.\u201d<\/p>\n
Asked after his speech, whether he could now move on from police officers viewing him as a pay and conditions reviewer, he said: \u201cThe pay review left my desk over a year ago. It is not in my hands at all.\u201d<\/p>\n
During his speech \u2013 which was applauded \u2013 Mr Winsor praised police officers\u2019 \u201cbravery, professionalism and dedication of those that are called to policing and the demands, difficulties and dangers of the work you do.\u201d<\/p>\n
He praised officers for work over Olympics and for their general day to day achievements<\/p>\n
Describing policing as a \u201ccomplex and demanding job\u201d, he added: \u201cyou frequently deal with the public at their worst or at their most vulnerable. You need to make vital decisions at pace often against a background of long shifts, weekend work, cancelled rest days and many frustrations.<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd like the rest of the public sector, you are having to do more with less.\u201d<\/p>\n
He announced that HM inspectorate of Constabulary will do more unannounced inspections and stated this job sits more heavily on his shoulders than his former role as rail regulator.<\/p>\n
Mr Winsor concluded: \u201cPolicing affects everyone. Everything on my desk, in one way or another, has risk attached to it\u2026 it is the risk of the safety of the public. That is an immense responsibility and I intend to discharge it to the very best of my ability with your assistance.\u201d<\/p>\n