on call firearms teams

[mpg2008]

Within my force we are currently experiencing numerous problems surrounding the issue of our on call firearms team. In days gone by an on call allowance was paid, it was a small sum but recognition never the less of our one in three weeks committment to being on call 24/7 for the job. This has recently been replaced by an enhanced SPP, again not much, but something is better than nothing!
Which brings me on to my point, we've just been told that all on call payments for our team have been withdrawn ( obviously still paid o/t when called in). As a result there is little incentive to remain on call, and many are now withdrawing their garuntee that they'll be available to come in when called. This has prompted the management to try and order officers to be on call. I'd be interested to know if anyone else has experienced similar problems? how other forces deal with providing a team of SFOs 24hrs 7 days?
(We're currently seeking advice via the Met federation as to the legallity of being ordered to carry out an on-call committment.)

[ynwa]

I cannot speak from experience but this seems just typical of the way the job is going. I would hate to hve to rely on the federation for anything these days. There is very little faith in ours (PSNI) at times. In the end the government will probably do what they want.
I hope you can come to some agreement with your colleagues in some form of collective action. I remember a story when i just joined with respect to the Gardai where a certain bout of "blue flu" came upon them. I found the fact that Insp and Chief Insp rumoured to be doing patrol duty rather amusing.

[scottgenius]

In my force we used to get an on call nightly payment but that stopped a few years ago. It was replaced by an extra SPP payment to recompense you for the inconvenience as long as you did more than thirty on calls a year which most easily did. Between the nightly payments starting and the spp kicking in a lot of people on the unit declined to go on call as they were essentially doing it for free. I think since then it has been made part of the job spec so any new applicants are obliged to provide on call as that is what the job entailed when they signed up.

[co19]

Dont speak to the Met Fed Central Office , get your head in the police almanac and contact the CO19 Fed Rep, this guy is also the most experienced Fed Advisor in Europe in relation to PIP with over 40 police hootings/investigations under his belt.