Police Overtime
Explained (UK)
Police overtime is often discussed in headline terms: “1.33x”, “1.5x”, or “Double time”.
But the reality is a structured framework governed by Police Regulations.
Key Overtime Points
- Most routine overtime is paid at 1.33x hourly rate.
- Rest day working is commonly 1.5x.
- Public holidays are often 2.0x (Double Time).
- Inspectors are usually salaried and do not receive overtime.
Overtime is enhanced hourly pay, not a bonus.
Overtime in policing is governed by Police Regulations and force policy. It varies depending on when you work, why you are working, and your substantive rank.
This is explanatory guidance for officers and staff to understand the structural mechanics of their earnings. Always confirm local force policy for specific implementation.
How It's Calculated
The calculation of overtime starts with your base hourly rate, which is derived directly from your annual salary.
÷ (52 wks × 40 hrs)
For a 40-hour contract, your salary is divided by 2,080 hours per year.
× Enhancement Rate
Common multipliers include 1.33x (Casual), 1.5x (Rest Day), and 2.0x (Public Holiday).
Enhancement Categories
Casual Overtime
Applies when you stay late or finish beyond rostered hours. Often paid at time-and-a-third.
Rest Day Working
Required duty on rostered rest days. Commonly 1.5x, but rules vary for short notice cancellations.
Public Holiday
Working on Bank Holidays typically attracts Double Time. Higher hour guarantees may apply.
Recall to Duty
If you are recalled to duty after booking off, minimum payment periods often apply regardless of actual time worked.
For example, a recall at 22:00 after finishing at 19:00 may trigger a minimum 4-hour payment (subject to force policy). These recalls are typically paid at the applicable overtime rate for that day.
What About
Inspectors?
Inspectors and higher ranks are generally salaried. They do not receive routine overtime payments and are expected to absorb additional hours within their fixed salary.
This structural difference is a major factor in the narrowing earnings gap between operational and managerial ranks.
Why Take-Home Feels Smaller
Overtime is added to your normal base income, meaning it follows marginal tax physics.
Marginal Rate Impact
Taxed at 20% or 40% immediately.
National Insurance
Employee Class 1 contributions apply.
Pension Tiering
12.44% - 13.44% deduction common.
Gross OT Pay
Take Home Estimate
Deductions vary based on your specific tax code and pension tier.
Work-Life Balance
Financial gain must be balanced against the physical and psychological cost of shift work. Excess overtime increases cognitive fatigue, which impacts decision-making and long-term wellbeing.
Wellbeing Analysis
"High-effort overtime cultures can lead to burnout. Financial security should not come at the cost of your primary safety tool: your brain."
Read Fatigue GuideOvertime FAQs
• How is police overtime calculated?
Annual salary divided by contracted hours (usually 52 weeks x 40 hours), multiplied by the relevant enhancement rate (1.33x, 1.5x, or 2.0x).
• Is overtime always 1.5x?
No. Casual overtime (extending your normal shift) is often paid at 1.33x. Rest day working is commonly 1.5x.
• Is public holiday always double time?
Working on a public holiday typically attracts double time (2.0x), but you should always confirm your specific force policy and any minimum hour guarantees.
• Do Inspectors get overtime?
Generally, no. Inspectors and above are salaried ranks and are expected to absorb additional hours within their fixed salary.
• Is overtime pensionable?
Usually yes, overtime is considered pensionable earnings, which increases your CARE pension accrual for that year.
• Why is my overtime heavily taxed?
Because overtime is added to your existing income, it is taxed at your marginal rate (e.g., 20% or 40%). It is not 'extra tax', but the normal tax logic applied to higher earnings.
• Can I refuse overtime?
Under Police Regulations, officers can be required to work overtime for operational necessity, potentially limiting the ability to refuse.