BONUS payments are to be on offer for police officers who are judged to be highly competent at doing their job.A new 'competence-related threshold payment scheme' starting in April, will allow officers from the rank of constable to chief inspector – who have served at least one year at the top of their pay scale – to apply for an extra £1,002 a year.

By Tracey Sparling

BONUS payments are to be on offer for police officers who are judged to be highly competent at doing their job.

A new 'competence-related threshold payment scheme' starting in April, will allow officers from the rank of constable to chief inspector – who have served at least one year at the top of their pay scale – to apply for an extra £1,002 a year.

Details of the scheme, which is part of the Government's current reform of police pay and conditions, are contained in a report due to be discussed by Suffolk Police Authority members on Friday .

It states: "The scheme will reward experienced professional officers who are able to demonstrate high professional competence against the national standard in the scheme.

"To reach a high level of professional competence, applicants must demonstrate competence against all 12 of the criteria associated with the four national standards."

The four standards include commitment to the job, relations with the public and colleagues.

Suffolk Police officers had until January 13 to make their applications for cash, and it is estimated that three out of four will be successful in gaining the Government funding.

There is also a bonus scheme which enables the chief constable to award £50-£500 for an individual's occasional work – be it outstandingly demanding, unpleasant or important such as a hostage situation, or searching decomposed bodies."