'Eye-watering' bill for cop overtime hits £32m

Police union warns figure will grow if cuts aren't reversed

- BY PAUL HUTCHEON Political Editor

POLICE overtime has soared to £85,000 a DAY amid warnings the single force is facing a “chronic” staff shortage.

The total taxpayer bill of £31.5million a year covers police officers and staff.

Official figures from May show 16,553 full-time equivalent officers, down from 17,496 in 2013.

Police union figures have warned the fall will lead to a rise in overtime needed.

According to figures published in 1919 Magazine, £28.15million was spent on overtime for officers in 2024-25, plus an additional £3.4million for police staff.

The combined £31.5million is a 10 per cent rise on the previous year.