Policing the divide on pay

But within the ranks there are differing views about the pay award, the role of the Police Federation and the need for industrial action. Here a few serving officers offer their opinions.

Phil Harrill is in his last 20 days of service and will retire in January after 30 years. He is an inspector responsible for community safety and is angry that the pay deal will hit his pension.

It's true that police officers get good salaries but look at the work we do Insp Phil Harrill

"The pay deal impacts on me more than those who will continue working. Police pensions are based on the last three years' salary. If I lose out on three months of pay that has a knock-on impact for the rest of my life.

"I feel bitter and let down after 30 years of dedicated service. I've been commended twice for bravery. The bottom line is that this will cost me financially. I'll probably lose about �5,000 over the next two decades which I'm entitled to.

"It's true that police officers get good salaries, but look at the work we do. We can't walk away. Some colleagues don't go home. Our pensions are good but we pay for them. My pension contributions are more than 11%. That's far higher than the fire service or the NHS."

John Jeffrey is a constable policing Lambeth borough in London. He's been in the force for 25 years and is on the committee of the Metropolitan Police Federation. But he's angry with how the federation has handled the dispute.

A ballot for strike action would be a mistake Pc John Jeffrey

"The majority of officers in Lambeth are disappointed by the government's position but they feel let down by the Police Federation. Where's our media campaign been? The 'hearts and minds' campaign is too little too late. People are wondering where the federation's been for the last year.

"Historically the pay settlement would come on 1 September. This is the first year we've had to negotiate, what's happened? The feeling is that the federation doesn't want to rock the boat.

"A ballot for strike action would be a mistake. It would probably be a no. We won't strike because we care too much. But why are we in this situation?

"We need to build bridges with the media, politicians and the public. I don't think people understand the difficulty of the job. They only read about us when we do something wrong. Again I blame the Police Federation. They've failed to win hearts and minds."

David Woodland is in his 26th year with Devon and Cornwall Police. For the last three years he has been based at headquarters dealing with youth issues. He thinks police pay is good, although he believes the government is acting unfairly.

I would vote for the right to take industrial action Pc David Woodland

"If we go to arbitration and are bound by it, the government should stick to the ruling. It's quite unfair to treat Scotland differently. It's all about fairness.

"We are reasonably well paid. I don't need a big pay rise. Other officers may need one. My job is not as dirty as serving on the frontline, but I did that for 23 years.

"I would vote for the right to take industrial action. But I doubt I would vote for a strike in this case. We're not talking about a large amount of money."

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