The salary structure for new officers joining Essex police has been revealed.

The starting salaries for new officers joining Essex police have been revealed.

Most recruits, who have previous experience as a Special Constable, a Police Community Support Officer, policing qualification or other relevant experience, will start on £22,000.

Other recruits will be paid £21,000 on joining the force which will increase to £22,000 on completion of their initial 36-week training package.

Chief Constable Stephen Kavanagh met with Essex’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Nick Alston, to agree the pay structure.

He said: “The Home Secretary previously set out new regulations for the starting pay of police constables which came into effect on April 1, 2013.

“Whilst acknowledging the difficult financial situation, that both the force and the country face, I have made a decision to have a starting salary towards the upper end of this scale.

“This is within my discretion and I believe it is important to send a strong message to new recruits on how much I value having committed, competent and enthusiastic individuals joining the force.

“I want Essex to be the best force in the country and that can only happen if I have high quality officers and staff who are willing to give their all.”

New officers will also be eligible for a £2,000 allowance that is available for living in the south east.

Mr Alston said: “I am in complete agreement with the Chief Constable over the decision to increase the starting salary for new police constables to £21,000 per annum, and to £22,000 per annum for those recruits with relevant prior experience.

“All officers will also be eligible for an allowance of £2,000 reflecting the high cost of living in the home counties.

“I have met many of the force’s new recruits, and their enthusiasm, professionalism and commitment to serve the people of Essex shone through.

“I hope this decision will help to ensure that Essex police continues to attract outstanding people to a career in policing.”

New officers at Suffolk police will receive a starting salary of £21,999 regardless of their experience.

The pay at both forces is in line with those recommended by the Police Arbitration Tribunal.