Brian Nav
Many Police Officers are still ex-Forces (including me).
When I took off my dark blue uniform (gratuity not a pension), I had to decide what I wanted to do next. I was getting on a bit, so what choices does an ex-two ringer make. I could have gone for a high wage and less secure retirement, but chose a significant pay cut and the promise of a decent pension.
That pension has cost me a direct 11% deduction of my gross wage. And I can tell you that is a significant amount out of your wage packet each month. It's about to go up to 14%, for less at the end.
The Police pay more into their pension than any other Public Sector worker. When the review started, even the bloody Home Secretary didn't know how much we paid in. (Should we be surprised they are so ignorant!)
There has been encouragement to view us as 'Public Sector parasites'. Going after the benefit cheats and tax evaders is too difficult. We're easy targets.