Scotland Yard charged with theft… by poaching staff of other troops with £5,000 ‘sign-up bonuses’

Scotland Yard has been charged with foul play for poaching large numbers of officers from neighboring troops with a £5,000 ‘sign up bonus’.

Disagreements have arisen between Britain’s largest police force and its regional partners as the police try to meet recruitment targets but lack the financial clout to match pay packages and bonuses.

police and crime Commissioner (PCC) for Hertfordshire, David Lloyd, said the Met lacks “decency” as it has stripped large numbers of officers from its force. And Festus Akinbusoye, the PCC for Bedfordshire, described the policy as “wrong” and “fundamentally bad for the police.”

Mr Lloyd said that instead of attracting new recruits to the police, the ‘enlistment bonus’ attracted officers from other troops, adding: “Not only can they offer London-weighted salaries, they have this lump sum on top of it.” . The whole basis of police work is that we help each other, but it doesn’t feel like they are adopting this joint approach.’

Scotland Yard has recruited 9,400 officers in the past three years, reaching a record 33,567 in March and still plans to recruit a further 4,000 next year

Scotland Yard said it is a significant net loser on the acquirer and its net position is 300 lower

Scotland Yard has recruited 9,400 officers in the past three years, reaching 33,567 in March – a record. The force plans to recruit another 4,000 people next year. In addition to the one-off payment, she has increased the entry salary to £31,686 including allowances.

The Interior Ministry said the policy was an operational decision for any police force and could not comment.

Scotland Yard said it is a significant net loser in transferees and looking at officials who have stepped in and out since 2019, the net position is 300 lower.